A surprising discovery in Sardinia has given scientists their first real proof that dinosaurs once walked across the island. While filming a documentary about the region’s ancient rocks, a team of researchers found fossilized footprints in the area of Baunei, in the province of Ogliastra.
These prints were left behind by a two-legged dinosaur that lived around 165 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The find is being hailed as a major breakthrough in Sardinian palaeontology. For the first time, scientists have clear evidence that dinosaurs roamed the island during the Mesozoic era.
A Chance Discovery That Made History
The discovery came during the filming of a documentary about Sardinia’s geology. Professors Antonio Assorgia, Sergio Ginesu, and Stefania Sias led the scientific team. Their work near Baunei uncovered dinosaur tracks preserved in ancient rock layers.
The footprints were found by Stefania Salis, who was the first to notice the strange shapes in the rock. Her keen eye led the team to investigate further. After careful study, the team confirmed the tracks were left by a bipedal theropod dinosaur—a type of creature that walked on two legs.
The discovery is a first for Sardinia. Until now, no dinosaur remains or footprints from the island’s Mesozoic period had been verified.
What the Tracks Reveal About the Dinosaur
The tracks give scientists a lot of information. By studying their shape and depth, experts were able to estimate the dinosaur’s size and how it moved. They believe the creature was between 120 to 160 centimeters long. It likely walked through a soft, marshy area near the coast, which is why the footprints were preserved so well.
Palaeontologist Marco Zedda pointed out that the footprints did not show claw marks. This could mean the dinosaur was a plant-eater rather than a hunter. Although many theropods were meat-eaters, some species evolved to eat plants.
The scientists nicknamed the dinosaur “Bibi” while waiting for more detailed studies. Salis also suggested the dinosaur may have been female, though that idea is still just a theory.
The rocks around the prints also showed signs of other animals that lived at the same time. This helps researchers build a bigger picture of the ecosystem during the Middle Jurassic.
A Window into Sardinia’s Distant Past
The team shared their findings during a press conference, where they also presented digital reconstructions of the dinosaur and its ancient habitat. They described a warm, coastal area filled with mud, sand, and tidal flats. This type of environment was perfect for capturing footprints and preserving them in the rock over millions of years.
The discovery helps fill a major gap in Sardinia’s history. Up until now, there was no strong proof that dinosaurs had ever lived there. These prints now serve as direct evidence of ancient life on the island. They also raise new questions about how land and sea levels shifted over time, and how dinosaurs might have reached what is now Sardinia.
Why This Discovery Matters
Francesco Ginesu, who directed the documentary, called the find a complete surprise. He said the team was focused on filming for public education, not making scientific discoveries. But sometimes, he said, science moves forward through lucky moments in unexpected places.
“This was not what we set out to find,” Ginesu said, “but it could change everything we know about Sardinia’s prehistoric life.”
Experts now consider the site near Baunei to be a key location for future research. They plan to return to the area for more digging and analysis. The team also hopes to find more tracks or even bones that could provide deeper insights.
A Game-Changer for Science on the Island
Researchers across Italy are calling the discovery a game-changer. It suggests Sardinia was home to complex life during the Jurassic, even though the island’s current location was very different back then. Millions of years ago, Sardinia may have been part of a larger landmass that allowed dinosaurs to roam across it.
This find also highlights the importance of preserving natural sites. Without protection, these valuable pieces of history could be lost forever.
The team’s next steps include publishing their findings in a peer-reviewed journal and continuing their studies at the Baunei site. If more evidence is found, Sardinia could become an important center for dinosaur research in Europe.