Researchers have identified a gigantic new species of long necked dinosaur in Thailand that is now considered the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. The finding comes from a collaboration led by scientists from University College London (UCL), Mahasarakham University, Suranaree University of Technology, and Thailand's Sirindhorn Museum.
The dinosaur was described in the journal Scientific Reports after researchers examined fossils first uncovered near the edge of a pond in northeastern Thailand about a decade ago.
By studying vertebrae, ribs, pelvis bones, and leg bones, the team determined the enormous animal likely stretched around 27 meters (89 feet) long and weighed roughly 27 tonnes, which is comparable to nine adult Asian elephants. One front leg bone alone measured 1.78 meters long (as long as a human).
The newly identified species was named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis. The name combines "Naga," a legendary serpent from Thai and Southeast Asian mythology, with "Titan," referencing the giants of Greek mythology. The species name honors Chaiyaphum province, where the fossils were found. It is the 14th dinosaur species officially named in Thailand.
A Giant Sauropod From the Early Cretaceous
