Portuguese 
After more than three months of research, Pablu Andrade identified two new paleontological sites in Uiraúna, with fossilized remnants that will now be cataloged and protected to prevent invasions and possible destruction.
A research project developed over three months led to the identification of two new paleontological sites in Uiraúna, located in the Sertão region of Paraíba. The discovery occurred in early August 2026.
The sites contain dinosaur footprints and other fossilized remnants that are over 120 million years old, according to Uiraúna historian Pablu Andrade, who is responsible for the discovery. The confirmation came with support from
The findings expand knowledge about the presence of these animals in the municipality, where the only known record had been identified in the 1980s. In addition to its scientific significance, the discovery could contribute to the future development of paleontological tourism in the region.
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Graduated in History and currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Pablu is also a member of the first class specializing in Paleontology at the State University of Paraíba (UEPB). He began searching for remnants during his studies in the field.
The initial work involved identifying sedimentary rock formations, which are considered favorable for the preservation of footprints and other ancient records. Several locations in the municipality were analyzed, but two showed the highest paleontological potential.
“I was able to identify several points with sedimentary rock formations in the municipality, which are the specific rocks where we can find this type of remnant. Of the identified locations, two showed significant potential, with footprints from various different species, among other remnants,” the researcher explained.
Footprints Have a Shape Similar to Birds
Among the materials found are footprints attributed to theropod dinosaurs. Some of the footprints belong to theropod dinosaurs, which were carnivorous, bipedal, with three-toed feet resembling bird feet.
The two sites also feature other fossilized remnants, but details about all the records still depend on the analysis and scientific cataloging process. So far, no information has been released about the total number of footprints or which species may have passed through the area.
After locating the sites, Pablu received a team to analyze the findings. The visit included Francisco Fredson, a military firefighter and a student in the Paleontology specialization program; Paulo Abrantes, a professor of Law at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) and also a student in the specialization; and paleontologist Fábio Cortes, a graduate of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and regarded as the most experienced member of the group.
According to the historian, the public announcement occurred only after this evaluation stage. The goal was to avoid the premature release of information before the remnants had been examined and the evidence found in the rock formations verified.
“The announcement was delayed to allow us to analyze and verify all the facts before presenting only concrete evidence,” said Pablu.
Discovery Expands Known Records in Uiraúna
While Sousa is widely associated with the dinosaur footprints found in the Paraíba highlands, the paleontological records are not limited to the municipality. As Pablu explained, the remnants extend across various cities located in the Rio do Peixe Valley.
In Uiraúna, the previously known record was found at Sítio Pocinhos during the 1980s by paleontologists Giuseppe Leonardi and Ismar de Souza Carvalho. The identification of these two new locations occurs decades after that initial discovery in the municipality.
For Pablu, the new evidence reinforces the need to expand research on the presence of dinosaurs in the region. The next step will be to work on the official cataloging of the sites so that the remnants can be incorporated into scientific knowledge and studied in greater detail.
The exact locations of the new sites will not be revealed at this time. According to the researcher, this decision considers the protection of the areas, the rights of property owners, and the need to complete scientific procedures.
The two sites are located on private properties, which requires permission from the landowners for access. Early disclosure could also encourage invasions and place the footprints and other remnants at risk of degradation.
Additionally, the team is still preparing the scientific cataloging of the sites. This work will be accompanied by conservation measures and initiatives to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting this natural heritage.
Paleontological Tourism Emerges as a Possibility
The discovery also opens a new possibility for tourism in Uiraúna. The presence of sites with footprints and other fossilized remnants could help the municipality eventually join a regional circuit related to paleontology and the history of dinosaurs in the Paraíba highlands.
However, this possibility depends first on cataloging, conservation of the sites, and the development of appropriate conditions to protect the finds. Since the areas are on private properties and still undergoing scientific preparation, there is no reported timeline for opening them to visitors.
The care with the locations aims to prevent the curiosity generated by the discovery from resulting in damage. Footprints preserved in rocks for over 120 million years can be compromised by inadequate interventions, uncontrolled circulation, or vandalism.
At this initial stage, the focus remains on documenting the remnants and protecting the two identified sites. With the official cataloging, the new locations could expand studies on the occurrence of dinosaurs in the Rio do Peixe Valley and add Uiraúna to the set of Paraíba municipalities with significant paleontological records.
The researcher’s email is plabo.una@hotmail.com.
