New species of giant sauropod dinosaur discovered in Thailand

Scientists have identified a new long-necked herbivorous dinosaur species named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, based on fossils discovered in the Chaiyaphum province of northeastern Thailand. The research, led by Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul of University College London, was published in the journal Scientific Reports. The creature, which belongs to the sauropod family, measured approximately 27 meters in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. Fossils found include sections of the spine, ribs, pelvis, and limbs, such as a 1.78-meter-long front leg bone. The dinosaur lived during the Cretaceous period, with estimates for its existence ranging from 100 to 120 million years ago, or specifically around 113 million years ago. This discovery represents the largest dinosaur found in Southeast Asia to date. The name derives from the mythical Naga serpent, the Greek word for titan, and the province of its discovery.