PORTUGAL PALEONTOLOGY

Dinosaur tracks in Portugal are known from Bajocian-Bathonian (Jurassic) through middle Cenomanian (Cretaceous) rocks. The Portuguese track record includes two outstanding Middle Jurassic track sites both in Central W Portugal: the Vale de Meios track site, showing dozens of parallel theropod trackways, and the Galinha site, where several long sauropod trackways can be seen. There are two other major areas with important dinosaur track sites: SW Algarve (S Portugal), Lower Cretaceous, and the Sesimbra region (Central W Portugal), Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous. Huge track sites such as the Vale de Meios and Galinha sites can not be excavated and removed into museums; therefore, they must be preserved in situ, to be studied and visited in their original geological context. Track sites such as these are important not only for their scientific, ichnological, significance; they are also valuable for science popularization and to stimulate public interest for the preservation of the geological/palaeontological heritage. In Portugal, in 1996 and 1997, five dinosaur track sites have been declared natural monuments. In such sites it is possible to teach and show Palaeontology, as well as other aspects of Earth sciences in their original geological context, to children from different school levels and to a broad public with different scientific backgrounds. Educational programmes for school children and the general public are paramount in order to elucidate them about dinosaurs and their tracks, but also to improve their attitude towards the scientific and cultural value of this palaeontological ichnoheritage. Educational activities are essential to the success of geoconservation. They boost public awareness, which, in turn, is fundamental for the protection and valorisation of the geological and palaeontological heritage. When local communities are conscious of the scientific and cultural value of the natural heritage in their home region they become proud of it and this fact dramatically increases the odds of its effective protection. Nevertheless, up until now the Galinha track site is the only Portuguese track site prepared to receive visitors and to offer them palaeontological educational programmes.