Scientists Identify Southeast Asia's Largest Dinosaur

Scientists have identified a new species of giant long-necked dinosaur, the Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, from fossils discovered in Thailand. The dinosaur, weighing an estimated 27 tonnes and measuring 27 meters (88 feet) in length, is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia and belongs to the sauropod family of herbivores. The fossils were unearthed in Chaiyaphum province, northeastern Thailand, and were initially spotted by a local villager in 2016. Researchers from the UK and Thailand, led by Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul of University College London, excavated the remains over several years, with funding from the National Geographic Society in 2023. The dinosaur lived between 100 and 120 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period, and its discovery provides insights into ancient climatic conditions and the evolution of giant dinosaurs. The name Nagatitan combines references to Southeast Asian folklore (Naga, a serpent-like being) and Greek mythology (Titan, referring to its size). The fossils include spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, with a humerus measuring 1.78 meters (5.8 feet) long. Researchers estimate the dinosaur's body mass to have been between 25 and 28 tons. The discovery suggests that Nagatitan was a bulk browser, consuming high volumes of vegetation such as conifers and seed ferns. The ancient climate in the region was likely subtropical, featuring forests, savannas, and shrublands. Nagatitan shared its environment with diverse dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and aquatic creatures like crocodiles and freshwater sharks. Despite the presence of predators, its immense size offered significant protection. The largest carnivore in its ecosystem was likely a relative of Carcharodontosaurus, measuring around 26 feet (8 meters) long and weighing about 3.5 tons. The discovery is significant because the fossils were found in Thailand's youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formation, suggesting this may be the last large sauropod found in the region. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.