Short report: The Anza tracksite: Ichnological heritage and geoeducational significance of dinosaur and pterosaur tracks in coastal Morocco. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lkebir, Noura; Masrour, Moussa; Pascual-Arribas, Carlos; de Ducla, Marc; Hernández-Medrano, Nieves; Pérez-Lorente, Félix
• Is Part Of: Journal of African earth sciences. Volume 171(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Trackways -- Geosite -- Geotourism -- Geoheritage -- Upper cretaceous -- Morocco; Earth sciences -- Africa -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Middle East -- Periodicals; Geology -- Africa -- Periodicals; Geology -- Middle East -- Periodicals; Sciences de la terre -- Afrique -- Périodiques; Sciences de la terre -- Moyen-Orient -- Périodiques; Géologie -- Afrique -- Périodiques; Géologie -- Moyen-Orient -- Périodiques; Earth sciences; Geology; Africa; Middle East; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 556.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2020.103949
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-343X

Abstract

Abstract: The Anza tracksite, discovered in 2013, is one of several sites in the Western High Atlas of Morocco that contain well-preserved and diverse dinosaur and pterosaur trackways. The occurrence of rare tracks at Anza combined with the stratigraphic position, coastal location, and easy accessibility, have inspired the scientific community, non-governmental organizations, and local inhabitants, to increase public awareness of the scientific, geoeducational, and ichnological heritage potential of the tracksite, as well as to develop strategies for site conservation and protection. Highlights: Presents the dinosaur and pterosaur tracksite at Anza as a potential geosite. Describes the geographic and geologic context of the Anza tracksite. Summarizes the paleontological importance of the tracks. Describes the educational/touristic value and protection/conservation efforts.