Jurassic dinosaur egg nest discovered at Santa Cruz Beach, Torres Vedras

A small nest containing around 10 Upper Jurassic dinosaur eggs (approximately 150 million years old) has been discovered in the cliffs of Santa Cruz Beach, Torres Vedras. The find was made by researchers from Ci2Paleo of the Torres Vedras Natural History Society during paleontological survey work.

The eggs, preserved in three dimensions and arranged in a natural pattern, do not result from water transport, suggesting an original nesting site, possibly on a riverbank. Preliminary observations indicate that most of the hatchlings likely emerged successfully, although traces of embryos may still be preserved inside.

Based on the characteristics of the eggshells, researchers suggest the nest may belong to a carnivorous dinosaur. The fossil block will be studied using computed tomography and microscopic analysis of the shells. Portugal stands out as one of the few places in the world where Upper Jurassic dinosaur nests and eggs are found!

Image 1: Detail of fossilized eggshells, preserved three-dimensionally within the sediment, with identified fragments under study.

Image 2: Preliminary analysis of the block containing Upper Jurassic dinosaur eggs, using laboratory lighting and digital magnification.

Image credit: Verena Fuchs / SHN