Oldest Dinosaur Fossil in Australia Unearthed in Brisbane Suburb
Recent discoveries have unveiled a significant fossilized dinosaur footprint in Brisbane, Australia. Researchers have confirmed this footprint as the oldest dinosaur fossil found in the country, dating back an astonishing 230 million years. The fossil was initially unearthed in 1958 by Bruce Runnegar, then a teenage student, in a suburb known as Albion.
Historical Significance of the Fossil
Bruce Runnegar, an esteemed palaeontologist, made the significant discovery at a local quarry. At the time, he suspected he had found a dinosaur footprint. However, the true extent of its importance was only acknowledged decades later.
Modern Technology Confirms Authenticity
After keeping the fossil in his personal collection, Runnegar decided to document it formally in 2021. He contacted Dr. Anthony Romilio of the University of Queensland’s Dinosaur Lab for assistance. Utilizing advanced 3D imaging technology, Romilio created a detailed map of the footprint, confirming its authenticity.
- Footprint Length: 18.5 centimeters
- Estimated Dinosaur Height: 75 to 80 centimeters at the hip
- Estimated Weight: 140 kilograms
- Period: Late Triassic, approximately 230 million years ago
The dinosaur that made the footprint was identified as a small, two-legged sauropodomorph. This creature lived during a time when it likely traversed waterways, leaving behind footprints that would later become embedded in sandstone.
Impact of Urban Development
Urbanization has obscured the original quarry site, now replaced by residential homes. This footprint now stands as the only surviving evidence of dinosaurs in Brisbane. Notably, the sandstone used to build Brisbane’s heritage-listed GPO came from the same quarry.
Future Research and Preservation
The fossil is now part of the Queensland Museum collection for research and educational purposes. Runnegar’s discovery highlights the hidden treasures residing in urban environments. It serves as a reminder of the rich prehistoric history lying beneath modern cities.
The findings have been documented in the Alcheringa: Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, emphasizing the global significance of this fossil discovery.
