Hiker accidentally discovers 280 million-year-old lost world in the Alps

This chance discovery offers critical data for understanding how life adapts to extreme environmental challenges.

In Short

• This serendipitous observation led to a scientific investigation
• Exploration uncovered sandstone slabs containing a wealth of fossils
• It revealed fossilised footprints of prehistoric beings

A chance discovery in the Italian Alps has unveiled a remarkably preserved 280-million-year-old ecosystem, providing scientists with an unprecedented glimpse into life during the Permian period.

Hiker Claudia Steffensen stumbled upon the find in 2023 while exploring the Valtellina Orobie Mountains Park, noticing unusual patterns on a rock slab that resembled animal tracks.

This serendipitous observation led to a scientific investigation by paleontologists from the University of Pavia and the Natural History Museum of Milan.

The initial rock, dubbed "rock zero," revealed fossilised footprints of prehistoric reptiles and amphibians. Further exploration uncovered additional sandstone slabs containing a wealth of fossils, including plant fragments, ripple marks from ancient lakeshores, and even raindrop imprints.

The fossils, found at altitudes exceeding 9,800 feet, date back to the Permian period, a time of significant environmental change on Earth.

During this era, intense volcanic activity led to global warming, resulting in arid tropical environments and widespread species extinction.

Paleontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso noted that while dinosaurs had not yet evolved, the creatures leaving these tracks were substantial in size.

Some reptiles grew up to 10 feet long, rivaling modern Komodo dragons. The fine-grained sandstone preserved intricate details, including claw marks, belly scales, and fingertip impressions.

The site's exceptional preservation is attributed to unique geological processes.

Seasonal cycles of wet and dry periods hardened mud layers, protecting the imprints. Over millions of years, tectonic activity associated with the formation of the Alps uplifted these rocks, while landslides and erosion scattered fossil-bearing fragments across alpine valleys.

This discovery offers critical data for understanding how life adapts to extreme environmental challenges. It provides insights into the resilience and vulnerability of ecosystems, potentially informing strategies to address current climate change impacts.

As glaciers retreat due to global warming, more such discoveries may come to light, pointing to the importance of protecting Earth's geological heritage.

This ancient ecosystem serves not only as a scientific treasure trove but also as a reminder of our planet's dynamic history and the valuable lessons it holds for our future.