A hiker's discovery in the Jura region revealed 1,500 dinosaur footprints, including some of the largest ever found, rewriting the region's ancient history.
Hiker discovers dinosaur footprints in Jura
A hiker in the Jura region noticed unusual shapes on a limestone slab, which later revealed nearly 1,500 dinosaur footprints, making the Loulle site one of the richest in Europe for such discoveries.Discovery dates back to 2004
Jean-François Richard, a hiker, first observed strange shapes on a rock in 2004. The site was later excavated by the CNRS and the University of Lyon 1, revealing 21 sauropod and 6 theropod tracks over 3,000 square meters.Site dates to the Upper Jurassic period
The Loulle site is dated to about 155 million years ago, during the Upper Jurassic period. At that time, the area was a warm, shallow sea, now covered by pines and alpine pastures.Site shows multiple layers of history
The Loulle slab is described as a geological layer cake, with each layer representing distinct prehistoric events. It includes footprints of an animal of particularly large size, possibly unknown to Europe, if confirmed by scientific studies.Sauropod tracks span over fifty meters
Analyses identified 21 sauropod tracks, with the longest stretching over fifty meters. These tracks provide insight into the movement of these giant, long-necked dinosaurs. Six theropod tracks, from bipedal predators, were also found alongside them.Other sites in the region show similar finds
In Coisia, more than 170 prints have been found, including nine sauropod tracks from the Tithonian period. In Plagne, a 155-meter-long sauropod track has been identified, linked to a new species named Brontopodus plagnensis.Site protected with educational walkway
A 150,000 euro project covered 70 percent of the site with sand to protect it from freezing and damage. A walkway and educational panels now allow visitors to explore the site and learn about the Jurassic environment without harming the ancient footprints.
