Nagatitan: Southeast Asia’s Largest Dinosaur Discovered in Thailand
Scientists have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a new species of giant sauropod dinosaur discovered in northeastern Thailand. Weighing approximately 27 tonnes and measuring 27 meters, it is the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. Living during the Early Cretaceous period around 100 million years ago, this herbivore is dubbed the "last titan" because rising seas subsequently submerged its habitat. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports by an international team, highlights Thailand's growing significance in paleontology and offers insights into ancient ecosystems before the region transformed into a shallow sea.
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Thailand Discovers Southeast Asia's Largest Dinosaur Species
Scientists in Thailand have identified a new species of giant long-necked dinosaur, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, which is believed to be the largest ever discovered in Southeast Asia. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, this sauropod lived approximately 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Estimates suggest the herbivore reached lengths of 27 meters and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The fossils, including vertebrae, ribs, and limb bones, were excavated in Chaiyaphum province in northeastern Thailand after being initially spotted by a local resident. Due to its massive size, Nagatitan likely had few natural predators, despite sharing its habitat with carnivorous dinosaurs related to Carcharodontosaurus. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London noted that the animal fed on high vegetation such as conifers and seed ferns in a subtropical environment characterized by rivers, forests, and savanna-like areas. This discovery significantly enhances understanding of dinosaur diversity and ecosystem dynamics in the region during the Early Cretaceous.
Digi24Thailand's 'Last Titan': Largest Long-Necked Dinosaur Found in Southeast Asia
Paleontologists have identified a new species of long-necked dinosaur in Thailand, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, which represents the largest sauropod discovered in Southeast Asia to date. Living approximately 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, this massive creature measured about 90 feet in length and weighed around 30 tons. The fossils were uncovered in the Khok Kruat Formation in Chaiyaphum province, initially spotted by a local resident in 2016. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights that N. chaiyaphumensis was a somphospondylan sauropod adapted to a semi-arid environment, using its large surface area to regulate body heat. Researchers suggest this species may be the last large sauropod from the region before the area transformed into a shallow sea, preventing further fossil preservation. The genus name combines mythological references to the Naga serpent and Greek Titans, while the species name honors the discovery location. This finding significantly enriches the understanding of dinosaur diversity in Southeast Asia during the Early Cretaceous.
Latest from Live ScienceScientists Discover Largest Dinosaur Ever Found in Southeast Asia
Researchers have identified a new species of giant long-necked dinosaur, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, which is believed to be the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. The fossilized remains, including spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, were uncovered near a pond in Chaiyaphum province, northeastern Thailand, nearly a decade ago. A collaborative study involving University College London, Mahasarakham University, Suranaree University of Technology, and the Sirindhorn Museum was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Analysis of the fossils, particularly a 1.78-meter-long front leg bone, led scientists to estimate that the dinosaur measured approximately 27 meters in length and weighed around 27 tons, equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants. Belonging to the somphospondylan sauropods subgroup, this plant-eating giant lived around 120 million years ago. The species name honors Southeast Asian folklore and Greek mythology while referencing the discovery location. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul expressed hope that this finding would bring greater international recognition to dinosaurs from the Southeast Asian region.
ProPakistaniNagatitan: New Giant Dinosaur Discovered in Thailand Larger Than Diplodocus
Researchers have identified a new species of gigantic sauropod dinosaur, named Nagatitan, based on remains discovered in Thailand. According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, this long-necked herbivore lived approximately 100 million to 120 million years ago. The dinosaur measured 27 meters in length and weighed around 27 tonnes, making it significantly larger and heavier than the famous Diplodocus, often referred to as Dippy. Experts estimate that Nagatitan weighed at least 10 tonnes more than the Diplodocus skeleton previously displayed at the Natural History Museum in London. This discovery marks the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. The findings were highlighted by Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, one of the researchers involved in the study. The identification of Nagatitan provides new insights into the diversity and scale of prehistoric life in the region during the Cretaceous period. The article, sourced from Le Monde and featuring AFP contributions, underscores the significance of this paleontological find in understanding ancient ecosystems in what is now modern-day Thailand.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeMeet Nagatitan: Southeast Asia’s Largest and Last Giant Sauropod Dinosaur
An international team of paleontologists has described a new species of sauropod dinosaur, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, discovered in Thailand. Published in Scientific Reports, the study identifies this creature as the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. Weighing approximately 60,000 pounds and measuring nearly 90 feet in length, Nagatitan lived around 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. Its name honors Asian folklore's naga, Greek Titans, and the Chaiyaphum province where its fossils, including a six-foot femur, were unearthed. Although massive, it was significantly smaller than contemporary South American giants like Patagotitan. Researchers designate Nagatitan as the "last titan" because it was found in Thailand's youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formation. Rising sea levels subsequently transformed the region into a shallow sea, making it unlikely for younger rocks to contain dinosaur remains. This discovery highlights how climate change and rising oceans impacted even the largest land animals, ending the era of giant sauropods in the region.
NautilusNagatitan Chaiyaphumensis: Southeast Asia's Largest Dinosaur Discovered in Thailand
An international team of paleontologists has described Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a new species of sauropod dinosaur discovered in Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province. Published in Scientific Reports, the study identifies this creature as the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. Living approximately 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period, Nagatitan weighed around 60,000 pounds and measured nearly 90 feet in length. Its name honors Asian folklore’s naga serpents, Greek Titans, and its discovery location. Although massive, it was significantly smaller than contemporary South American giants like Patagotitan. Researchers designate Nagatitan as the “last titan” of Thailand because it was found in the region’s youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formation. Subsequent rising sea levels turned the area into a shallow sea, likely preventing the preservation of later dinosaur remains. This discovery highlights how lush forests and warm greenhouse conditions supported gigantism in sauropods, while also marking the end of an era for large dinosaurs in Southeast Asia before their habitat was submerged by oceanic changes.
NautilusScientists Identify Southeast Asia's Largest Dinosaur in Thailand
Scientists have identified a new species of massive long-necked herbivore dinosaur in Thailand, marking the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the sauropod is estimated to have weighed approximately 27 tons, equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants, and measured 88 feet in length. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, indicate that the creature roamed the region between 100 million and 120 million years ago. Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul described it as "the last titan," noting it was found in one of the youngest rock formations containing dinosaur fossils in Thailand before the area became a shallow sea. The fossils were initially unearthed by locals in northeast Thailand a decade ago, with excavation completing in 2024. The name combines "Naga," a mythological serpent-like creature in Asian cultures, and "titan," referencing Greek mythology. At the time, Nagatitan faced little predation risk, dwarfing contemporary predators like relatives of Carcharodontosaurus. A life-size reconstruction is currently displayed at Bangkok's Thainosaur Museum.
Home - CBSNews.comNagatitan: New 28-Ton Dinosaur Species Discovered in Thailand
Scientists have officially described a new species of colossal sauropod dinosaur, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, following a decade-long study of fossils discovered in Chaiyaphum province, northeast Thailand. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, reveal that the dinosaur lived during the Lower Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. Weighing an estimated 28 tons and measuring 27 meters in length, the Nagatitan is a significant addition to paleontological records, though it is smaller than giants like Argentinosaurus. The name combines 'Naga,' a mythical Asian snake, with 'Titan' to reflect its size, and 'chaiyaphumensis' to honor its discovery location. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London noted that this may be the last large sauropod found in Southeast Asia, as subsequent geological changes turned the region into a shallow sea. The discovery involved collaboration between Mahasarakham University, Thailand's Sirindhorn Museum, Suranaree University of Technology, and UCL, marking a major milestone for the region's paleontological research.
PortadaScientists Discover Giant 'Last Titan' Dinosaur, Southeast Asia's Largest Ever
Researchers have identified a new species of giant sauropod dinosaur in Thailand, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, which is now considered the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Weighing approximately 27 tonnes and measuring 27 meters in length, this colossal long-necked herbivore lived during the Early Cretaceous period, over 100 million years ago. The discovery, led by scientists from University College London and several Thai institutions, was published in Scientific Reports after examining fossils uncovered in northeastern Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. The species name honors local mythology and the discovery site. Scientists refer to it as the 'last titan' because it was found in the region's youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formation, suggesting it may have been the last giant sauropod to roam the area before rising seas transformed the landscape into a shallow sea. The find highlights Thailand's growing significance in paleontology and provides insights into the prehistoric ecosystem, which included various predators, flying reptiles, and other plant-eaters. A life-size reconstruction is currently displayed in Bangkok.
Latest Science News -- ScienceDailyScientists Discover Giant 'Last Titan' Dinosaur, Southeast Asia’s Largest Ever
Researchers have identified a new species of giant sauropod dinosaur in Thailand, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, which is now considered the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Weighing approximately 27 tonnes and measuring 27 meters in length, this colossal long-necked herbivore lived during the Early Cretaceous period, over 100 million years ago. The discovery, led by scientists from University College London and several Thai institutions, was published in Scientific Reports after examining fossils uncovered in northeastern Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. Dubbed the "last titan," Nagatitan is believed to be the final giant sauropod to roam the region before rising seas transformed the landscape into a shallow sea, ending the era for such massive terrestrial animals in the area. The species name honors local mythology and the discovery site. This finding highlights Thailand's growing significance in paleontology, revealing an ancient ecosystem that also hosted predators, flying reptiles, and other dinosaurs. A life-size reconstruction is currently on display in Bangkok, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in understanding the region's prehistoric history.
Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily