A 280-million-year-old fossilized ecosystem has been discovered in the Italian Alps after a hiker noticed unusual markings on a rock.
The site, located in the Orobie Valtellinesi Park in Lombardy, offers a detailed glimpse into life during the Permian period, millions of years before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
The discovery began in 2023 when Claudia Steffensen, trekking with her husband, spotted peculiar circular patterns on a gray rock. Upon closer inspection, she realized they were animal footprints.
She captured photos and shared them with a friend, who forwarded them to experts at the Natural History Museum of Milan. This sparked a full-scale investigation, leading paleontologists to uncover an ancient ecosystem hidden under snow and ice for millennia, AOL said.
Scientists found a treasure trove of fossilized remains at the site, including footprints from at least five different species of reptiles and amphibians, along with fossilized plants, seeds, and even raindrop imprints.
Some tracks showed astonishing details, such as claw marks and patterns from the belly skin of ancient creatures.
The tracks were likely made on wet sand and mud near rivers and lakes. As the surfaces dried under the summer sun, they hardened, preserving the imprints. Over time, layers of clay covered the tracks, creating a natural protective seal.
Climate Change Exposes Ancient Permian-Era Ecosystem in the Italian Alps
The fossilized ecosystem had remained hidden beneath ice and snow until modern climate change caused glaciers in the Alps to melt. Since the mid-19th century, rising global temperatures have reduced glacier surfaces in the region by up to 40%.
This environmental shift exposed the fossils, offering scientists a rare look into a prehistoric world, Daily Mail reported.
"This discovery is an effect of climate change," said Doriano Codega, president of the Valtellina Orobie Nature Park. The fossils were found at altitudes nearing 10,000 feet, where landslides further revealed the ancient remains.
The exceptional preservation of the fossils has allowed researchers to study an ancient ecosystem decimated by global warming during the Permian period. This period saw rapid climate changes that ultimately led to a mass extinction event, wiping out nearly 90% of Earth's species.
Paleontologists continue to map and study the site using drones and helicopters due to its remote and unstable location. The discovery not only provides insights into prehistoric life but also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked climate change.
The fossils, preserved in remarkable detail, offer lessons from the past as scientists warn of similar risks facing the planet today.
