While filming a nature documentary near Baunei in Sardinia’s Ogliastra region, researchers stumbled upon something completely unexpected—fossilized dinosaur footprints. The surprising find has become a historic moment for Italian science, offering the first direct proof of dinosaur life on the island during the Jurassic period. The prints, believed to be around 165 million years old, have now captured the attention of palaeontologists across the world.

Ancient Tracks Discovered by Chance

The discovery happened almost by accident. A film crew working on a documentary was capturing footage in the hills and coastal marshes near Baunei when Stefania Salis, a team assistant, noticed unusual marks in the rocky surface. These marks looked different from ordinary erosion patterns. Salis quickly informed the scientific team working with the project, which included Professors Antonio Assorgia, Sergio Ginesu, and Stefania Sias.

After closer examination, they confirmed that the markings were, in fact, fossilized dinosaur tracks. These footprints were preserved in Jurassic-era rock, estimated to date back 165 million years. That places them in the Middle Jurassic period, a time when dinosaurs were widespread but little was known about their presence on Mediterranean islands like Sardinia.

Evidence of a Two-Legged Dinosaur

Experts determined that the tracks belonged to a theropod dinosaur—a type of creature that walked on two legs. These dinosaurs are known to be fast, agile, and in many cases, meat-eaters. However, further study revealed that this particular dinosaur may have been a small herbivore.

Palaeontologist Marco Zedda examined the size and depth of the prints. He said the dinosaur measured between 120 to 160 centimetres in length. Interestingly, the tracks lacked claw marks, which suggested a plant-based diet. Scientists nicknamed the dinosaur “Bibi,” and while there’s no way to know for sure, they think it may have been female.

The footprints were found in what used to be a muddy shoreline or tidal zone, a wet and sticky environment where tracks could be easily preserved. The presence of other tracks nearby, possibly from different species, suggests that the area was once a rich and active ecosystem. Plants, small reptiles, and various dinosaurs may have lived together in these swampy landscapes.

Rebuilding the Past Step by Step

Reconstructing dinosaurs from just a few footprints takes skill and experience. Zedda explained how scientists use the size, shape, and depth of tracks to estimate the creature’s size, weight, and movement. They also study the sediment around the prints to understand the environment the animal lived in. Patterns in the mud help experts figure out whether the dinosaur was walking slowly or quickly, and whether it was alone or moving in a group.

These kinds of studies give scientists a rare window into daily life in the Jurassic period. Unlike bones or fossils hidden underground, footprints show movement and behavior—what direction the dinosaur walked, how far apart its steps were, and how heavy it was.

A Game-Changer for Sardinia’s Prehistoric Record

Francesco Ginesu, who managed the documentary project, called the find a “lucky accident” but one that may rewrite history books. “We’ve long believed Sardinia held few or no dinosaur fossils from the Mesozoic era,” Ginesu said at a press event. “This changes everything.”

Before this discovery, Sardinia had very little fossil evidence from the time of dinosaurs. Most of what scientists knew came from nearby parts of Europe or mainland Italy. This new find proves that dinosaurs did live and walk on the island. It also raises new questions: How did they get there? What other creatures lived alongside them?

Experts believe that Sardinia may have been connected to other landmasses during the Jurassic era, giving dinosaurs a way to travel across what is now open sea. Continental drift later separated the island, hiding these prehistoric clues for millions of years.

Sparking New Research and Interest

News of the discovery has already stirred excitement among palaeontologists and researchers in Italy and beyond. Several academic groups have expressed interest in studying the site further. The research team plans to return to Baunei with better tools and more scientists to search for more tracks—and maybe even bones or fossils.

The discovery has also breathed new life into Sardinian geology and history. Schools and universities are planning field trips to the site. Meanwhile, local officials are discussing how to protect the area while still allowing visitors to learn about its importance.

“This is only the beginning,” said Professor Assorgia. “Sardinia has many stories left to tell, buried in rock and stone.”

What started as a routine documentary shoot has led to one of the most important palaeontological discoveries in Sardinia’s history. The dinosaur tracks found in Baunei are more than just ancient footprints—they are a direct connection to a distant time, when strange and wonderful creatures roamed the island’s coastal lands. As more experts dig into the mystery, one thing is clear: Sardinia’s prehistoric past is far richer and more exciting than once believed.