Geoconservation in the Cabeço da Ladeira Paleontological Site (Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park, Portugal): Exquisite Preservation of Animals and Their Behavioral Activities in a Middle Jurassic Carbonate Tidal Flat

The Cabeço da Ladeira paleontological site in central Portugal became known as the “Jurassic Beach”. Formerly an active quarry, was protected order to preserve large exposures of a Middle Jurassic (early? Bajocian) carbonate tidal flat with outstanding fossil record. This multidisciplinary work involving experts from several national and international research geoconservation institutions carried out under umbrella Institute for Nature Conservation (ICNF), since this geosite is located within Serras de Aire e Candeeiros nature park. has provided exquisitely preserved body fossils, especially echinoderms, together exceptional preservation their, other, animal’s behaviors. It also hotspot understand diversity bivalves Jurassic. Due area geosite, relevance findings, risk weathering destruction plan been developed by ICNF support local authorities. After years being open visitors without proper control, now conditioned organized groups researchers, schools, tourists. Some fossils were collected studies included collections Geological Museum (Lisbon). Moreover, casts have made protect holotypes trace providing ways replicate record temporary exhibitions. A long-term experimental study conserve limestone bedding plane their contents started develop best strategy aim reduce damage produced increasing tourist demand on natural sites. other geosites areas are key communicating evolutionary approach environmental education, must be priority improve use (geo)tourism attractions.