Scientists Unearth Southeast Asia's Largest Dinosaur in Thailand

Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, after unearthing its skeletal remains in Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. Dating back approximately 113 million years to the Cretaceous Period, this sauropod measured nearly 90 feet (27 meters) in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The fossils, including spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, were initially discovered by a local villager. Although the head and teeth were not recovered, scientists estimate it was a bulk browser feeding on conifers and seed ferns. Due to its immense size, adult Nagatitan likely faced little threat from predators, though juveniles remained vulnerable. The species belongs to a subgroup of sauropods with air-filled bones that lightened their skeletons. Named after the Naga serpent deity in Asian traditions, Nagatitan represents the geologically youngest and largest sauropod found in the region. Its existence during a period of high global temperatures offers insights into the relationship between climate and dinosaur body size. This discovery highlights the diversity of sauropods in Southeast Asia before the region became a shallow sea later in the Cretaceous period.