GPS Coordinates: N33° 4.894', E10° 20.853'
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Site Highlights
- A first for Tunisia: Jurassic dinosaur
- Fossiliferous layers
Access Route: A new road has been constructed to facilitate access to the Beni Ghedir valley from Ghomrassen or Ksar Haddada over a distance of 4 km.
Site Description: The Beni Ghedir valley is located 6 km north of the town of Ghomrassen and about 20 km northwest of Tataouine. The dinosaur footprints are found on the western flank of the valley, atop a limestone layer of the Khechem el Miit member of the Foum Tataouine formation, consisting of alternating limestones and yellowish nodular marls rich in brachiopods, echinoderms, and plant remains. This is a trampled surface forming a trackway that also preserves mud cracks and a distinctive texture interpreted as ancient microbial mats. The poor preservation of the prints is due to weathering. A total of 136 footprints have been listed over approximately 200 m2 of exposed surface. Only a few trackways, consisting of more than four successive prints, have been identified. Two basic types of footprints have been recognized: medium-sized (15-20 cm) and large (> 25 cm in length) tridactyl tracks.
