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Scientists in Italy have made a major discovery while filming a nature documentary in the hills near Baunei, a village in Sardinia’s Ogliastra region. They found fossilized dinosaur footprints—marking the first time such prints have ever been confirmed on the island. These tracks, found in rocks dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, are believed to be about 165 million years old.

The find was made by a team of scientists led by Professors Antonio Assorgia, Sergio Ginesu, and Stefania Sias. They were working alongside a documentary crew filming the area’s unique geology when the tracks were spotted. Stefania Salis, a scientist helping with the shoot, was the first to notice the unusual marks in the rock.

A Glimpse Into the Jurassic Era

Experts say the footprints belonged to a two-legged dinosaur that walked upright. Based on the size and shape of the tracks, the creature stood around 120 to 160 centimeters tall and likely fed on plants. Palaeontologist Marco Zedda explained that the prints showed no sign of claws, which suggests it wasn’t a predator.

The team has given the dinosaur a temporary nickname: “Bibi.” Although they don’t yet know its exact species, the researchers were able to piece together a basic idea of its body structure and behavior. They believe it walked along a shoreline of sand and mud, in what was once a warm, marshy coastal zone.

“These footprints tell a story,” said Zedda. “They reveal how the animal moved, what it may have eaten, and even what the land looked like at the time.”

The First Proof of Dinosaurs in Sardinia

Until now, there was no clear fossil record linking Sardinia to known dinosaur habitats. This accidental find is the first direct proof that dinosaurs once walked the island. The prints confirm that Sardinia was not just a lonely outpost during the Mesozoic Era, but part of a larger, thriving ecosystem.

“This is a discovery of great scientific value,” said documentary producer Francesco Ginesu. “It shows that Sardinia, which we already know is geologically rich, still has secrets to reveal.”

The scientific team shared their results during a press conference, where they displayed photos and 3D models of the tracks. They explained how the footprints had been preserved in fine layers of sediment, which later turned into rock. These lucky conditions kept the prints intact for millions of years.

How a Film Crew Uncovered Prehistoric Clues

The documentary was originally meant to showcase Sardinia’s natural beauty, from its rugged coastline to its ancient rock formations. But during one of their hikes near Baunei, the crew stumbled across what looked like strange indentations in the stone. That moment of curiosity led to a major scientific breakthrough.

“We weren’t looking for fossils,” said Ginesu. “It just happened. That’s what makes it so special. Science sometimes moves forward not with a plan, but with a surprise.”

After finding the prints, the crew called in a team of palaeontologists, who quickly confirmed the importance of the site. More prints were found nearby, suggesting that other dinosaurs may have passed through the area as well.

Why This Discovery Matters

The discovery of dinosaur tracks in Sardinia changes what scientists thought they knew about the island’s history. Until now, there was little reason to believe dinosaurs ever lived there. These new prints show that at least some parts of the island were once coastal areas where dinosaurs roamed.

The terrain likely shifted over millions of years due to plate tectonics and rising sea levels. But the preserved tracks are a frozen moment in time—evidence of life during a distant and mysterious era.

Researchers hope this find will lead to more studies and new fossil digs in Sardinia. Already, interest in the island’s geological past is growing among scientists and the public alike.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” said Stefania Sias. “There’s so much more to learn, and who knows what else we might find?”

Fieldwork and Serendipity in Science

One of the key lessons of this discovery is the importance of fieldwork. Without stepping out into nature, many great finds would never happen. This moment shows how curiosity and chance often go hand-in-hand in science.

The research team praised the collaboration between scientists and filmmakers, saying it brought fresh eyes to old land. What started as a creative project to document Sardinia’s beauty has ended with a groundbreaking scientific find.

“These prints are more than just marks in stone,” said Ginesu. “They are a message from the past. And now that we’ve found them, it’s up to us to listen.”