Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of giant dinosaur from fossils uncovered in Thailand, offering new insight into the prehistoric creatures that once roamed South-East Asia.
The newly named species, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, is believed to have lived between 100 and 120 million years ago and is now considered the largest dinosaur ever discovered in the region.
New Sauropod Species Measured 27 Metres Long
Researchers from Thailand and the United Kingdom identified the dinosaur from fossil remains excavated near a pond in north-eastern Thailand around a decade ago.
The enormous creature belonged to the sauropod family — the long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs known for their vast size. Scientists estimate the nagatitan weighed around 27 tonnes, roughly equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants, and stretched approximately 27 metres (88ft) in length.
That makes it longer than a diplodocus and around twice the size of a Tyrannosaurus rex, although it lived roughly 40 million years earlier.
Meaning Behind the Name ‘Nagatitan’
The dinosaur’s scientific name combines several cultural and mythological references.
“Naga” refers to a serpent-like being found in South-East Asian folklore, while “titan” comes from the powerful deities of Greek mythology. The final part, “chaiyaphumensis”, references Chaiyaphum Province in Thailand, where the fossils were discovered.
The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
UK and Thai Researchers Led the Discovery
The study was led by Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, a doctoral student at University College London.
He described the dinosaur as “the last titan” of Thailand because the fossils were found in the country’s youngest known dinosaur-bearing rock formation.
“Younger rocks laid down towards the end of the time of the dinosaurs are unlikely to contain dinosaur remains because the region by then had become a shallow sea,” he explained. “So this may be the last or most recent large sauropod we will find in South-East Asia.”
Childhood Fascination Turned Into Scientific Discovery
Sethapanichsakul, who described himself as a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast, said the project fulfilled a childhood ambition.
In a statement released by UCL, he said the research “fulfils a childhood promise of naming a dinosaur”.
The discovery marks the 14th dinosaur species formally named in Thailand.
Palaeontologist Dr Sita Manitkoon said Thailand possesses an unusually rich variety of dinosaur fossils and may rank among Asia’s most significant sources of prehistoric remains.
Ancient Climate May Have Helped Giant Dinosaurs Thrive
The study also explored how prehistoric climate conditions may have influenced the evolution of massive dinosaurs such as the nagatitan.
During the period in which the dinosaur lived, Earth experienced rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels alongside significantly warmer global temperatures.
Co-author Paul Upchurch noted that many sauropods reached enormous sizes during this era despite the challenges associated with retaining heat in large bodies.
Speaking to National Geographic, he said: “It seems a little odd that sauropods were able to cope with higher temperature conditions.”
He later told Reuters that changing climate conditions likely affected the vegetation relied upon by these giant herbivores.
“It is likely that the high temperatures had an impact on the plant fodder that was important to sauropods,” he said.
Discovery Highlights Thailand’s Growing Importance in Dinosaur Research
The identification of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis adds to Thailand’s growing reputation in global palaeontology research.
For scientists, the discovery not only expands understanding of dinosaur diversity in Asia but also provides valuable clues about how ancient ecosystems adapted to changing environmental conditions millions of years before humans appeared on Earth.
Thomas Hardy is a contributor to OE Mag, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.