Pegadas da Serra de Aire, Dinosaurierspuren im Serra d'Aire Naturmonument, Portugal.
Serra d'Aire Dinosaur Traceways is a nature reserve preserving ancient footprints on a limestone surface in a former quarry located about 320 meters above sea level. The site contains multiple sauropod tracks spread across a large section of exposed rock, offering visitors a direct view of evidence from these prehistoric inhabitants.
Scientists first identified these footprints in 1994, leading to official recognition and protection of the area as a natural monument two years later. This discovery gave researchers important insight into the daily movement patterns of these creatures during the Middle Jurassic period.
The site features informational displays along the walking paths that explain the geological context and show how these massive creatures moved through the landscape. Visitors can see life-size models of sauropods positioned near their actual footprints, helping people understand the enormous scale of these animals.
Plan enough time to walk slowly through the exposed rock sections and read the educational information at each stop along the trail. Good footwear is important since the limestone surface can be slippery when wet, and the site is best visited during dry weather.
The limestone rock contains twenty separate sets of footprints from these massive herbivorous animals that roamed the area during the Middle Jurassic period. What makes this location remarkable is that the prints preserve detailed information about how these creatures walked and how their feet pressed into the soft ground beneath them.
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