Scientists have identified a massive new dinosaur species, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, from fossils discovered in Thailand. The sauropod, which roamed the region between 100 million and 120 million years ago, weighed an estimated 27 tons—equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants—and stretched 88 feet in length. The discovery, published in the journal Scientific Reports, marks the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia.
Discovery and Excavation
The first remains of Nagatitan were uncovered a decade ago by locals in northeast Thailand, but the excavation was not completed until 2024. Researchers unearthed spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, including a 1.78-meter-long humerus. The dinosaur’s name combines Naga, a mythological serpent-like creature in Asian cultures, and titan, referencing its massive size.
Ecological and Evolutionary Significance
Nagatitan lived in a subtropical, arid environment with forests, savannas, and shrublands. Its ecosystem included freshwater sharks, crocodiles, and pterosaurs, with the largest predator being a relative of Carcharodontosaurus, which weighed about 3.5 tons—far smaller than the herbivorous giant. Researchers believe Nagatitan was a bulk browser, consuming high volumes of vegetation like conifers and seed ferns with minimal chewing.
Scientific Implications
Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul of University College London noted that Nagatitan may be the last large sauropod found in Southeast Asia, as the region later became a shallow sea. The discovery provides new insights into dinosaur diversity and paleoenvironments in the Cretaceous Period.