The discovery of prehistoric animal footprints, estimated to be 225 million years old, at Tat Yai waterfalls on the border between Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district and Khon Kaen’s Phu Pha Man district is indeed a groundbreaking find. The Department of Mineral Resources, particularly the Mineral Resources Office Region 2 in Khon Kaen, played a crucial role in uncovering this significant paleontological site.
The preliminary survey led by palaeontologist Tida Liard revealed five sets of footprints embedded in mudstone on the lower part of the Huai Hin Lad rock formation. The first two sets were identified as belonging to sauropods, long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs that existed during the late Triassic period. These footprints are now recognized as the oldest animal trails ever discovered in Thailand.
Two additional tracks were suggested to belong to smaller creatures, while the last set was attributed to an archosaur reptile. The details of the archosaur’s paw prints, including the claws of both the front and back paws, were particularly intriguing to the research team. These prints, distinct from those found near Ban Na Pho Song, exhibited unique traits not previously seen in Thailand, leading the team to hypothesize that they may belong to an ancient animal not yet documented in Thailand’s paleontological records.
To preserve these ancient marks, the team used a plastic sheet for collection. However, further studies at the site are deemed necessary before the next rainy season, as flooding could potentially wash away any remaining evidence. Tida Liard emphasized the significance of the archosaur footprints, highlighting their unique characteristics that distinguish them from other finds in Thailand.
This discovery not only sheds light on the prehistoric fauna of the region but also opens up avenues for further research and exploration in the field of paleontology in Thailand. The potential existence of a previously undocumented ancient species adds an extra layer of excitement to this remarkable find.
