Queensland designates dinosaur as landmark
The Australian state of Queensland has a new official emblem: a dinosaur. The Muttaburrasaurus, which lived more than 100 million years ago during the Middle Cretaceous period in the forests of what is now Australia, is the first time a fossil has been chosen as an emblem, the regional government announced. Queensland's other nine official emblems include the koala, the Great Barrier Reef and the Cooktown orchid.
With this step, the regional government hopes to further boost dinosaur tourism. Muttaburrasaurus was discovered in 1963 on the Thompson River near the town of Muttaburra and was first described almost 20 years later. The herbivore was about seven meters long and moved on both two and four legs. The skeleton is one of the best-preserved prehistoric lizards ever found in Australia.
No better ambassador
"Queensland is home to many of Australia's best fossil dinosaur finds and I can think of no better ambassador for outback destinations than the Muttaburrasaurus," said local Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. The fossil attractions in outback Queensland generate millions of dollars for the economy and have huge potential to become the paleontology hotspot of the southern hemisphere.
Australia has been experiencing a real dinosaur boom in recent years. Fossils of previously unknown dinosaur species are still being discovered in remote parts of the country. Thousands of dinosaur fans and amateur palaeontologists are flocking to the outback to take part in excavations.
- The rich history of archaeology in Queensland, with its numerous dinosaur discoveries, has significantly contributed to the colorful landscape of science in Australia.
- The new dinosaur emblem of Queensland, the Muttaburrasaurus, serves as a testament to the state's rich history in paleontology, attracting tourists interested in both history and animals.
- The dinosaur boom in Australia has not only led to the discovery of new species but also strengthened the country's position in the global tourism market, offering unique geological and historical experiences that blend history, science, and tourism.
Source: www.dpa.com
