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Data from: The Duntulm sauropod tracksite and environmental partitioning in Middle Jurassic dinosaurs on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

dePolo, Paige12; Brusatte, Stephen2; Challands, Tom2; Foffa, Davide345; Wilkinson, Mark2; Clark, Neil6; Ross, Dugald7; Wade, Thomas2

Published Sep 25, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.j3tx95xv6

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Abstract

Dinosaur fossils from the Isle of Skye (Scotland, UK), particularly the abundant trace fossil record, provide a window into dinosaur evolution during the poorly known Middle Jurassic. Here we present the photogrammetric models, orthophotos, and underlying photosets and ground control points underpinning a comprehensive description of the Duntulm tracksite from Cairidh Ghlumaig Bay. We used this data to create whole site maps, catalogue the tracks, and identify trackways. The tracksite is dominated by small to medium-sized (<75 cm) sauropod footprints spanning several preservation styles, from casts with details of toes to impressions with less distinct features. Several short, narrow-gauge trackways indicate the sauropods were moving with a walking gait, and the wide range of orientations of the trackways does not indicate any gregarious behavior. Sparse, isolated theropod footprints are also present along the Duntulm coastline. We then examined the relationship between Skye's dinosaur trackmakers and the substrate in which the footprints are found. We found that Skye's sauropods had a preference for lagoonal substrates, while 'non-sauropod' dinosaurs (theropods, thyreophorans, and ornithopods) are more abundant in subaerially exposed mudflats.