Theropod tracks from Middle Jurassic of Morocco
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Ben Creisler
Jun 22, 2026, 3:11:08 PM (4 days ago) Jun 22
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Ben Creisler
A new paper:
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Noura Lkebir, Yao-Yan He, Xiong-Wei Zeng, Cheng-Gang Wang, Fa-Fu Wu, Lai-Shi Zhao & Zhi-Jun Niu (2026)
Middle Jurassic isolated dinosaur tracks from Msemrir (Central High Atlas, Morocco): Evidence for theropod occurrence and paleogeographic distribution
Palaeoworld: 201147
doi: 10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201147
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871174X2600082X
This paper documents a newly discovered dinosaur track assemblage from the Middle Jurassic strata of the Msemrir region in the Central High Atlas of Morocco. The tracks were found in a single fine-grained sandstone bed of the Guettioua Formation, within a locality that has previously yielded crocodyliform and bird-like dinosaur ichnofossils. The assemblage includes 12 isolated tridactyl tracks, attributed to a small to medium-sized theropod, that display morphological similarities with the ichnogenera Grallator and possibly Kayentapus. Sedimentological evidence suggests these tracks were produced in a fluvio-lacustrine paleoenvironment, indicating extensive terrestrial settings, possibly a fluvial margin system or floodplains that supported a relatively diverse and abundant faunal community. The occurrence of these tracks alongside those of other theropods reinforces the ichnological significance and enriches the understanding of faunal diversity and composition in the Central High Atlas. It also points to a more complex Middle Jurassic ichnofauna in Morocco than was previously recognized. Beyond its scientific value, this study highlights the broader ichnological potential of the Msemrir area as a promising site for future research. Additionally, it encourages reflection on the importance of conserving paleontological heritage and on developing responsible geotourism initiatives that actively involve and benefit local communities.
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Noura Lkebir, Yao-Yan He, Xiong-Wei Zeng, Cheng-Gang Wang, Fa-Fu Wu, Lai-Shi Zhao & Zhi-Jun Niu (2026)
Middle Jurassic isolated dinosaur tracks from Msemrir (Central High Atlas, Morocco): Evidence for theropod occurrence and paleogeographic distribution
Palaeoworld: 201147
doi: 10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201147
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871174X2600082X
This paper documents a newly discovered dinosaur track assemblage from the Middle Jurassic strata of the Msemrir region in the Central High Atlas of Morocco. The tracks were found in a single fine-grained sandstone bed of the Guettioua Formation, within a locality that has previously yielded crocodyliform and bird-like dinosaur ichnofossils. The assemblage includes 12 isolated tridactyl tracks, attributed to a small to medium-sized theropod, that display morphological similarities with the ichnogenera Grallator and possibly Kayentapus. Sedimentological evidence suggests these tracks were produced in a fluvio-lacustrine paleoenvironment, indicating extensive terrestrial settings, possibly a fluvial margin system or floodplains that supported a relatively diverse and abundant faunal community. The occurrence of these tracks alongside those of other theropods reinforces the ichnological significance and enriches the understanding of faunal diversity and composition in the Central High Atlas. It also points to a more complex Middle Jurassic ichnofauna in Morocco than was previously recognized. Beyond its scientific value, this study highlights the broader ichnological potential of the Msemrir area as a promising site for future research. Additionally, it encourages reflection on the importance of conserving paleontological heritage and on developing responsible geotourism initiatives that actively involve and benefit local communities.
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