Peirópolis is a rural district located in Uberaba, Brazil. The site is known for its significant paleontological discoveries, particularly the abundant fossil deposits dating back to the Late Cretaceous period. These fossils were first uncovered in the mid-1940s during infrastructure-related activities in the vicinity. In the early 20th century, Peirópolis served as a limestone producer.[1]
The area is home to the Paleontological Research Center Llewellyn Ivor Price, established in 1991, in honor of the contributions made by the Brazilian paleontologist Llewellyn Price, and dedicated to the study of fossils and paleontology. Additionally, the Dinosaur Museum, located adjacent to it, exhibits replicas and fossils from an extensive collection of dinosaurs unearthed in the surrounding area,[2] currently housing an assemblage of 1,500 fossils.[3] Between 2003 and 2004, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Brazil granted funding for the construction of the headquarters of Rede Nacional de Paleontologia (English: National Paleontology Network) in the district, aimed at preserving fossil sites and promoting local paleontology. However, due to issues related to funding, the project was ultimately canceled.[4]
In 2011, a partnership between the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) and the Executive branch of Minas Gerais led to the acquisition and integration of the remaining facilities into the Complexo Cultural e Científico de Peirópolis (Scientific and Cultural Complex of Peirópolis).[5] Currently, the Paleontological Research Center and the Dinosaur Museum serves as key institutions for paleontological investigations in Brazil, which fosters collaborations among other national and international paleontological institutions, including publication of scholarly articles.[6] The museum hosts exhibitions that explore local paleontology and related studies at both scientific and educational levels.[7]
Notable discoveries in the area include extinct species such as Peirosaurus, Uberabatitan, and Uberabasuchus.[8]