The Contest seeks to stimulate the creation, in the area of paleontology, of scientific illustrations with high scientific and artistic value.

The scientific correctness and the quality of the techniques used are the major criteria for evaluating the works. The illustration of Portuguese species is a preference factor. Although the word "dinosaurs" appears in the contest's name, regulations allow for illustrations of any extinct animals.

The contest's debut was on the year of 2000/2001, and has been expanding its scope ever since. In all the editions, the 443 accepted works were submitted by 187 artists of 37 countries from every continent. In total, the jury awarded 58 prizes to works from 38 artists of 17 countries.