In Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, a rock wall has offered an extraordinary glimpse into the ancient past—more than 20 fossilized vertebrate footprints have been discovered. According to a preliminary investigation led by Professor Xing Lida, a renowned dinosaur expert from China University of Geosciences, Beijing, these tracks include multiple dinosaur footprints estimated to be around 200 million years old. This is the first discovery of dinosaur track fossils in the region, providing valuable physical evidence to decode early dinosaur evolution and reconstruct prehistoric environments.
The site was accidentally found by a hiker with geological knowledge on November 23. Noticing distinct claw marks and compression textures on a sedimentary rock wall, he reported the unusual markings. Subsequent examination by Professor Xing’s team confirmed the traces come from Upper Triassic strata. The recorded footprints vary in size and fall into three categories: medium and large theropod footprints, small theropod footprints, and Chirotherium-type tracks that resemble a handprint.
The three-toed theropod footprints with sharp claw impressions were left by carnivorous dinosaurs walking on their hind legs. In contrast, the distinctive Chirotherium-type tracks—with their outward-splayed fifth digit—are believed to be from early archosaurs, the primitive reptilian ancestors of dinosaurs. This site is uniquely significant: it is China’s only known Triassic location where both theropod and Chirotherium footprints coexist, suggesting a shared habitat for these creatures.
Furthermore, Professor Xing emphasized the site’s importance. He noted that footprints are preserved across at least four rock layers, indicating dinosaurs lived here for a long period and moved about frequently. Adding to its scientific value, fossilized wood—including fallen logs and upright stumps—was found embedded in the surrounding rock. This provides a rare snapshot of the ecosystem from over 200 million years ago. Researchers believe further study will shed more light on the early spread and evolution of dinosaurs in China.
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