DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS FROM THE LOWER CRETACEOUS (APTIAN, TUCANO BASIN) OF CANINDÉ DE SÃO FRANCISCO, SERGIPE, BRAZIL

The main objective of this communication is to report the occurrence of three isolated dinosaur footprints in the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) São Sebastião fm., North Tucano Basin in Canindé de São Francisco, Sergipe. Ichnites Can1R and Can2R are isolated tridactyl footprints, moderately preserved, with straight, long and slender digits, without digital pads impressions. Digit impressions are shallowly depressed and there is no evidence of interdigital membranes. The metatarsophalangeal margin is strongly V-shaped. Tracks are longer (71-94 mm) than wide (62-81 mm). Length-to-width ratio is around 1.1. Digit III is longer (71-75 mm) than digits II (47-61 mm) and IV (54-71 mm). Digit II is lower than digit IV. Divarication between digits II-III (44-48º) is wider than in digits III-IV (30-36º). Divarication between digits II-IV, 78-80º. Ichnite Can3L is a medium tridactyl isolated track, with hallux, with slender digits. Track 4 % is wider (130 mm) than longer (including hallux, 125 mm). Digit IV is longer (105 mm) than digits II (71 mm) and III (97 mm). Divarication between digits II-III (70º) is wider than in digits III-IV (39º). Divarication between digits II-IV reaches 109º. The ichnite Can3L is similar to an ornithimomisaur footprint, but smaler. All icnhites may have been produced by small theropods. This is the first record of dinosaur footprints in Sergipe, and although are punctual it widen the knowledge about this fauna in Brazil. [*PQ/CNPq 308122/2016-0]