New dinosaur species discovered in Thailand

Paleontologists have identified a new dinosaur species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, based on fossils discovered in the Kalasin province of northeastern Thailand. The herbivorous sauropod, which lived approximately 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period, is estimated to have reached a length of 20 meters. Lead researcher Dr. Apirut Nilpanapan from Mahasarakham University stated that the identification was based on a dorsal vertebra found in the Phu Noi excavation site. The site was first identified in 2008 after a local resident discovered fragments resembling snake scales. Further excavations confirmed that over 90% of the fossils found in the area belong to dinosaurs. CT scans revealed that the species belongs to the Mamenchisauridae family, known for their exceptionally long necks. While most members of this family have been found in China, this discovery represents a significant find for the region.