In the heart of Brazil's northern Amazon, a remarkable scientific milestone has been achieved by researchers from the Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR). The publication of a groundbreaking study in the prestigious journal Cretaceous Research details the first confirmed dinosaur footprints in the Tacutu Basin, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life in one of the world's most biodiverse regions today. This discovery not only highlights the untapped paleontological potential of Roraima but also underscores the vital role of Brazilian universities in advancing global science.

The tracks, preserved in the sandstones and conglomerates of the Serra do Tucano Formation, date back over 100 million years to the Lower Cretaceous period, specifically the Barremian to Albian stages. Identified across at least ten distinct sites near Bonfim in northern Roraima, these ichnofossils—fossil traces like footprints—reveal a diverse array of dinosaurs roaming an ancient rift valley. Theropods, the carnivorous bipeds including possible large relatives of dromaeosaurids (think velociraptor kin), and ornithischians, herbivorous dinosaurs such as ornithopods, left their marks in what was once a continental plain dotted with rivers and lakes.

🦕 A Decade of Dedication: From Field Discovery to Peer-Reviewed Triumph

The story begins in 2011 during a routine geological mapping expedition in the Tacutu Basin, led by UFRR geologist and bioestratigraphy expert Vladimir Souza. Accompanied by geology students from UFRR, Souza spotted unusual impressions in the weathered rock surfaces. Initial suspicions of dinosaur tracks were confirmed in 2014 through student-led fieldwork, but rigorous analysis was needed. The project paused due to limited resources at UFRR but reignited in 2021 under master's student Lucas Barros at the Universidade Federal do Pampa (Unipampa), with collaboration from UFRR faculty.

Over 14 years, the team employed advanced techniques: remote sensing imagery for site identification, field expeditions for documentation, and photogrammetry—3D modeling from photographs—to capture details despite heavy tropical weathering. Supported by Brazil's Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), their persistence culminated in the February 9, 2026, online publication titled "Tracking Dinosaurs in the Tacutu Basin: First Ichnological Evidence from the Lower Cretaceous of Northern Brazil." This peer-reviewed paper in Cretaceous Research, a bimonthly Elsevier journal indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, marks international validation.

Such long-term projects exemplify how persistence in higher education research yields transformative results, inspiring students nationwide. For those eyeing academic careers, this UFRR success story demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary fieldwork and collaboration between universities like UFRR and Unipampa.

The Research Team: UFRR's Paleontological Pioneers

Leading the charge is Lucas S. Barros, the first author and a key figure in reviving the study during his master's at Unipampa. Vladimir Souza, UFRR professor who first identified the tracks, brought geological expertise. Co-authors Carlos E.L. Vieira, Gabriel S. Zaranza from UFRR, and Felipe L. Pinheiro from Unipampa provided paleontological and stratigraphic insights. Their combined efforts bridged geology, paleontology, and digital modeling.

Souza reflects, "It's like traveling back in time to a completely different place with entirely different animals. What we see in dinosaur movies existed here, perhaps with even greater diversity." This human element highlights how university faculty mentor students into researchers, fostering Brazil's next generation of scientists. Opportunities abound in Brazilian higher education, where institutions like UFRR drive regional discoveries.

Unpacking the Tracks: Morphotypes and Dino Diversity

The study documents at least seven distinct track morphotypes across the sites. Theropod tracks include three types: small, medium, and a notably large one (up to 1.5 meters), suggesting massive carnivores akin to dromaeosaurids—rare evidence for South America in the Early Cretaceous. Ornithischian tracks feature four morphotypes, likely from bipedal ornithopods and possibly armored thyreophorans, indicating a varied herbivore community.

• Theropod Morphotype 1: Small, tridactyl (three-toed) prints, agile hunters.
• Theropod Morphotype 2: Medium-sized, gracile forms.
• Large Theropod: Broad, deep impressions hinting at 5-7 meter predators.
• Ornithischian Types: Narrower toes, some with possible manus (hand) marks.

Though weathering obscures full trackways, photogrammetric models reveal concretionary surfaces preserving dozens per site, with Cascavel (ST01) boasting the highest density. These details paint a vivid paleoecological picture of a rift valley teeming with life.

Geological Backdrop: The Tacutu Basin's Ancient Rift

The Tacutu Basin, a Jurassic-Cretaceous rift within the Guiana Shield, formed amid the Atlantic's rifting. The Serra do Tucano Formation's sandstones and conglomerates record a continental setting: fluvial-lacustrine deposits from rivers and lakes in a savanna-like plain. Extending into Guyana as the Tacutu Formation, this basin's exposure in Roraima's savannas aided discovery, contrasting the dense jungle elsewhere.

Tropical lateritization—iron-rich weathering—challenges preservation, yet these ichnofossils endured, underscoring the basin's paleontological promise. For geology students, studying such formations offers hands-on training, with research jobs available at Brazilian universities exploring similar basins.

Bridging the Amazon Paleontological Void

Prior to this, northern Amazonia lacked verifiable dinosaur records, a gap due to erosion, vegetation, and access issues. Nearby Andean sites hold most South American Early Cretaceous dinosaurs, but Tacutu fills Central Amazonia's void, suggesting higher diversity than assumed. This boosts Brazil's ichnological record, complementing bone fossils from southern basins.

The findings imply the rift valley attracted large vertebrates, informing biogeography: Were these faunas isolated or connected to Gondwanan dispersals? UFRR's contribution elevates Brazilian higher ed's global profile, attracting funding and talent.

Overcoming Tropical Research Hurdles

Amazon fieldwork demands resilience: dense vegetation, seasonal floods, and extreme weathering degrade fossils. The team's remote sensing pinpointed sites, while photogrammetry digitized fragile traces. This innovation suits tropical paleontology, a model for other regions. UFRR's adaptation highlights resourcefulness in underfunded northern universities, where research assistant roles build skills.

Boosting Brazilian Higher Ed and Paleontology

UFRR's feat showcases northern Brazil's research prowess, involving students from discovery to publication. It inspires geology programs nationwide, linking to broader initiatives like Capes funding. As Brazil invests in science, such successes position universities as hubs for university jobs in STEM.

Student involvement—from 2014 field spotters to co-authors—exemplifies experiential learning, preparing graduates for lecturer positions.

Geopark Potential and Educational Outreach

Roraima eyes a geopark around these sites, blending conservation, tourism, and education. Protected status could draw global paleontologists, boosting local economy and UFRR enrollment. Initiatives like guided tours and museum exhibits would engage communities, fostering STEM interest.

For educators, this offers real-world case studies; explore professor ratings for top geology faculty.

Looking Ahead: Untapped Treasures in Roraima

With thousands of unstudied outcrops, more tracks—and perhaps bones—await. Expanded mapping, drone surveys, and international partnerships could reveal fuller ecosystems. UFRR plans further expeditions, inviting collaborations. This horizon excites aspiring researchers eyeing postdoc opportunities.

Photo by Mihai Moisa on Unsplash

In summary, UFRR's Tacutu Basin discovery transcends footprints—it's a testament to Brazilian higher education's resilience and innovation. Aspiring academics can draw inspiration, pursuing paths via higher ed jobs, rate my professor, and career advice on AcademicJobs.com. Stay tuned for more from Brazil's prehistoric past.