A newly discovered dinosaur footprint in the Deh-Alireza region of Dashtkhak, located in the northern part of Zarand County in Iran’s Kerman province, has quickly emerged as a significant scientific find and a promising tourist attraction.
The footprint, believed to belong to a herbivorous dinosaur from the Jurassic period approximately 180 million years ago, was uncovered on a sloped rock surface. Although partially damaged due to years of neglect, the track draws considerable attention from heritage officials, academics, and tourism stakeholders, as reported by Tehran Times, a TVBRICS partner.
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Zarand Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, led an official visit to the site alongside local university leaders and experts. The goal was to assess the findings’ scientific value and explore their potential for sustainable tourism development.
“This dinosaur footprint is not only a treasured historical and scientific discovery, but it also holds great potential to become a unique tourist destination,” said Eslami.
He emphasised the footprint’s importance in enriching scientific understanding and promoting the concept of scientific tourism in the region.
Plans are now underway to protect and develop the site. Officials are prioritising the creation of infrastructure to accommodate visitors while ensuring the preservation of Zarand’s natural heritage. Discussions are also being held to organise educational and research-based tours.
Samanbar Mirzaei, president of the Islamic Azad University of Zarand, highlighted the academic significance of the site.
“This discovery opens new doors for research and education in paleontology. It offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with real-world evidence of prehistoric life,” he said.
According to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), the discovery echoes earlier paleontological work from 2002, when a joint Iranian-Brazilian team uncovered dinosaur skeletal remains, including a theropod tooth and unidentified bone fragments, in the nearby Neizar Valley.
Experts suggest that the combined evidence of carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaur presence strengthens the case for Zarand as an ancient habitat rich in paleontological significance.
Kerman province, known for its deep historical roots and cultural diversity, is already home to notable landmarks such as the Jabalieh Dome, Ganjali Khan Bathhouse, Malek Jameh Mosque, Shahdad Desert, and the famed Bazaar-e Sartasari.
The addition of the dinosaur footprint site is expected to enhance the region’s appeal as a multifaceted tourist destination blending history, science, and natural beauty.