Field Trip

Shar Tsav Dinosaur Track Site

Gobi Desert, Mongolia · Late Cretaceous, 70–80 million years ago

First discovered on July 31, 1995, by the Mongolian Paleontology Institute and Japan's Hayashibara Museum of Natural History, Shar Tsav is one of the world's most captivating vertebrate paleontology sites. Currently, the site is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Natural Heritage and Geoparks.

Key Features and Findings:
Abundant Trackways: Over 13,000 dinosaur footprints ranging from 6 to 70 cm in length have been documented, featuring carnivorous theropods, armored dinosaurs, and rare wide-gauge sauropod tracks.

Tracks and Fossils Together: Fossils of the small, bird-like dinosaur were found alongside tracks matching its exact anatomical foot structure, providing unprecedented behavioral data.

Giant Track Discoveries: Tracks belonging to a massive dinosaur estimated to be 30 meters long and weighing 40–50 tonnes were uncovered. Uniquely, these represent the world's only natural cast footprints of their kind, preserving detailed claw impressions.

Research Progress: Approximately 30% of the site has been thoroughly studied and documented to date.
Dinosaur Species Diversity:
Tyrannosauroids: Massive apex predators roaming the ancient Gobi landscape.
Ornithomimosaurs: Ostrich-like, toothless omnivores/herbivores.
Avimimus: Small, bird-like theropod dinosaurs.
Ankylosaurs: Heavily armored herbivores equipped with massive tail clubs for defense.