About Protoceratops fossils
Protoceratops is a genus of ornithischians, the horned, armoured and duck-billed group. The database records 2 species of it: Protoceratops andrewsi and Protoceratops hellenikorhinus.
The 38 finds on the map come from 2 countries. Mongolia has the most, with 31 (82%).
The rock formation with the most finds is called Djadokhta, with 23. The rocks are 121.4 to 72.2 million years ago, in the Cretaceous period.
Genus of reptiles (fossil). (Description from Wikidata, CC0.)
Read about Protoceratops on Wikipedia.
- 38finds
- 2countries
- 121.4oldest, million years ago
- 72.2youngest, million years ago
10% of these finds are marked approximate in the database, so their dots may sit some way from the real site.
Which countries have Protoceratops fossils?
| Country | Finds | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mongolia | 31 | 82% |
| China | 7 | 18% |
Rock formations that produced Protoceratops
A formation is a named body of rock. These are the ones with the most Protoceratops finds.
| Formation | Finds |
|---|---|
| Djadokhta | 23 |
| Bayan Mandahu | 5 |
| Baruungoyot | 4 |
| Alagteeg | 1 |
| Miaogou | 1 |
| Wulansuhai | 1 |
Other dinosaurs found in Mongolia
- Psittacosaurus (70)
- Tarbosaurus (56)
- Saurolophus (38)
- Gallimimus (30)
- Mamenchisaurus (24)
- Pinacosaurus (24)
- Velociraptor (20)
- Bagaceratops (18)
- Avimimus (8)
- Bactrosaurus (8)
More to explore
Before you go fossil hunting. A dot shows where a find was recorded, not where you may dig. Many fossil sites are on private or protected land and collecting rules differ by country. Check the rules before collecting and never dig on protected sites.
Questions about Protoceratops
Where was Protoceratops found?
Protoceratops fossils are recorded in the Paleobiology Database from Mongolia and China. Most of the 38 finds on this map (31) are from Mongolia. The rock formation with the most finds is the Djadokhta (23).
How old are Protoceratops fossils?
Finds of Protoceratops on this map date from 121.4 to 72.2 million years ago, which is the Cretaceous period. Ages are ranges, because rock layers are dated to a stage and not to a single year.
Where can I see Protoceratops fossils near me?
Open the map and press Near me to list the nearest dinosaur finds and the most notable dinosaurs found around you. Remember that a dot shows where scientists recorded a find, not where you can dig: many fossil sites are on private or protected land, so check the rules before collecting and never dig on protected sites.