A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Leicester has revealed that some of the largest creatures ever to soar the prehistoric skies, the pterosaurs, spent far more time on the ground than previously thought. Through extensive examination of fossilised tracks attributed to the giant Quetzalcoatlus, with wingspans reaching up to 10 metres (32 feet), scientists have now painted a richer picture of the behaviour and lifestyle of these flying reptiles that coexisted with dinosaurs hundreds of millions of years ago (BBC News).
This new insight matters greatly for both scientists and the public, as it fundamentally shifts our understanding of these enigmatic prehistoric animals. Pterosaurs have long captured imaginations as airborne giants dominating the Mesozoic skies, but few anticipated that these same creatures were equally adept—and possibly even more frequently—walking terrestrial landscapes. For Thai palaeontology enthusiasts and teachers interested in Earth’s history, this research offers a compelling window into evolutionary adaptation and ecological niches, illustrating the complexity of ancient life that once spanned continents, including what is now Southeast Asia.
The research team employed advanced 3D modelling, comparative anatomy, and meticulous analysis of trackway patterns to identify footprints belonging to several distinct pterosaur groups. The most striking findings centred on Quetzalcoatlus, whose tracks—found in both ancient coastal and inland regions around the globe—indicate these animals not only flew great distances but were also common visitors to terrestrial habitats. “Footprints offer a unique opportunity to study pterosaurs in their natural environment,” noted a doctoral researcher at the University’s Centre for Palaeobiology and Biosphere Evolution. “They reveal not only where these creatures lived and how they moved, but also offer clues about their behaviour and daily activities in ecosystems that have long since vanished.”
The study found that pterosaur trackways began to appear more frequently on dry land around 160 million years ago, persisting until the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period about 66 million years ago. This suggests that, contrary to the view of pterosaurs as purely aerial specialists, these creatures had evolved sophisticated adaptations for both flight and terrestrial locomotion.
In addition to Quetzalcoatlus, the team matched fossilised tracks to ctenochasmatoids—pterosaurs with long jaws and needle-like teeth. Their tracks mostly occurred in coastal strata, implying a lifestyle of wading and foraging along muddy shores and shallow lagoons, feeding on small fish and drifting prey. Another group, dsungaripterids, left tracks consistent with strong limbs and jaw structures, including toothless, hooked beaks and robust, rounded teeth for crushing molluscs and other hard-shelled food. These adaptations mirror behavioural parallels seen in some modern birds, reflecting a deep evolutionary continuity in feeding strategies (BBC News).
Experts highlighted the pivotal role of ichnology—the study of fossilised tracks and traces—in reconstructing prehistoric animal behaviour. “Tracks are often overlooked when studying pterosaurs, but they provide a wealth of information about how these creatures moved, behaved, and interacted with their environments,” said the doctoral researcher. He added that scrutinising these footprints offers evidence about pterosaur biology and ecology that cannot be gleaned from bones alone.
For Thailand, where dinosaur and pterosaur fossils have been found in northeastern provinces such as Kalasin and Khon Kaen, these discoveries offer a valuable teaching tool and an opportunity to connect local geological history with global scientific breakthroughs. The Sirindhorn Museum in Kalasin province showcases fossils and life-size models of regional dinosaur finds, inviting visitors to imagine the shared ancient past between Isaan’s landscapes and those once scoured by pterosaur feet. Understanding that these flying reptiles also walked and foraged on land might prompt a re-examination of fossil evidence within Thailand, spurring further research into local tracksites and sedimentary layers.
Historically, pterosaurs have often been depicted as awkward ground-dwellers, struggling on all fours. However, the new evidence challenges these stereotypes, instead presenting a more dynamic picture of versatile beings fully at home on both land and in the air. Such a view compels a reconsideration of both popular images and scientific narratives about prehistoric life, with implications for museum exhibits and educational materials across Thailand and beyond.
Looking ahead, the team’s use of detailed 3D modelling and digital analysis sets a precedent for future research on ancient trackways. As technology advances, similar methodologies could be applied to newly discovered or re-examined tracks in Asia, potentially confirming or challenging existing theories about the diversity and behaviour of pterosaurs in the region. Educational institutions in Thailand might consider partnerships with international research teams to develop new fieldwork projects, exhibitions, and STEM curriculum materials that reflect these latest findings.
For Thai readers, this research is more than just an international scientific headline. It invites local engagement with Thailand’s rich geological heritage, encourages cross-cultural scientific collaborations, and offers a fresh lens through which to view the colourful tapestry of prehistoric life that once inhabited this part of the world.
To build on this knowledge, interested citizens, teachers, and students are encouraged to visit local museums such as the Sirindhorn Museum, explore the latest scientific literature on Mesozoic reptiles, and participate in community palaeontology events that connect Thai history to the global story of life on Earth. As footprints continue to surface from ancient rocks, they remind us that even the world’s mightiest flyers sometimes left their mark on solid ground—sometimes, perhaps, not so far from home.