Discovery of a New Dinosaur Species in Thailand
Artwork by Pakorn Chotchaiyaporn
Palaeontologists in Thailand have announced the discovery of a new dinosaur species based on fossils uncovered in Kalasin Province, located in the north-east region of the country.
The newly identified plant-eating dinosaur, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, is estimated to have lived approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period.
This dinosaur is notable for its exceptionally long neck and an overall length reaching up to 20 meters (66 feet), which is roughly equivalent to the length of a cricket pitch.
Fossil Excavation and Identification
Dr Apirat Nilphanaphan, lead author of the study and a researcher at Mahasarakham University in Thailand, shared with BBC Thai that the specimen was part of an extensive fossil collection from a site first identified in 2008. The initial discovery occurred when a local resident found fragments resembling serpent scales.
The excavation site, known as Phu Noi, has yielded a diverse range of fossils from the Late Jurassic era. Notably, more than 90% of the fossils recovered from this location consist of dinosaur fragments.
During subsequent surveys, the research team uncovered additional fossils, including dinosaur teeth and bones. However, the key fossil that led to the identification of the new species was a dorsal vertebra — a bone from the middle or upper back — which exhibited distinctive anatomical features.
Scientific Analysis and Classification
Computed tomography (CT) scans of the vertebra revealed that the dinosaur belongs to the Mamenchisauridae family, a group of sauropod dinosaurs recognized for their extremely long necks. These elongated necks likely enabled them to access vegetation at varying heights.
While most known fossils of the Mamenchisauridae family have been discovered in China, this finding represents the first occurrence of such a dinosaur in Thailand.
The CT scan also identified unique characteristics in the vertebra, including a Y-shaped configuration of supporting bones called laminae.
"The features, in particular a unique air-cavity structure, were unlike any other dinosaur in the world... That's what sets it apart,"
Dr Nilphanaphan expressed to BBC Thai the distinctiveness of these features.
He also recounted his emotional reaction upon realizing the significance of the discovery:
"I smashed my keyboard after realising we had discovered a new species, adding that I felt both exhilarated and relieved."
Publication and Related Discoveries
The research detailing this discovery was published earlier this week in the scientific journal Nature.
In a related development, in May it was reported that scientists identified another type of long-necked herbivorous dinosaur, the nagatitan, from remains excavated in Thailand.
The nagatitan is notable for being the largest dinosaur ever found in South-East Asia, with an estimated weight of 27 tonnes — equivalent to the mass of nine adult Asian elephants — and a length of 27 meters (88 feet).
Additional reporting was provided by Jiraporn Srijaem.
- Giant new dinosaur identified from fossils in Thailand
- Why are these beaches so rich in fossils?
- 'Punk rock' dinosaur with metre-long spikes discovered
