Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis-Scientists dig up Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur in Thailand

Researchers have discovered skeletal remains of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest-known dinosaur ever identified in Southeast Asia. The fossils were first noticed by a villager in Chaiyaphum Province in northeastern Thailand.

The dinosaur belonged to the sauropod lineage, a group of gigantic plant-eating dinosaurs characterised by long neck, long tail, small head and four columnar legs.  

Based on the dimensions of the humerus and femur, researchers estimated the dinosaur’s body weight at around 25–28 tonnes.

About Nagatitan

Although the skull and teeth were not recovered, scientists inferred its feeding behaviour from similarities with other sauropods, which were herbivorous dinosaurs.

Sauropods included the largest land animals in Earth’s history. While Nagatitan was enormous, it was smaller than giant South American sauropods such as Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan. 

These South American dinosaurs are believed to have exceeded 100 feet (30 metres) in length.

Meaning of the Name

The name “Nagatitan” refers to the “Naga,” a serpent-like mythical being associated with several Asian religious traditions and prominently depicted in Thai temples. The species name “chaiyaphumensis” refers to Chaiyaphum Province, where the fossils were discovered.

Scientific Importance

Researchers noted that Nagatitan belonged to a subgroup of sauropods possessing hollow bones with numerous internal air sacs and thin bone walls.  These adaptations helped reduce skeletal weight despite the dinosaur’s massive size.

The discovery is important because sauropod fossils are relatively rare in Southeast Asia. Nagatitan is considered both the largest sauropod discovered in the region and the geologically youngest known Southeast Asian sauropod. 

Dinosaur Discoveries in Thailand

Thailand has emerged as an important site for dinosaur research. Scientists have identified 14 named dinosaur species from the country so far.

The discovery of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis is expected to provide new insights into dinosaur diversity, evolution, and prehistoric ecosystems in Southeast Asia during the Cretaceous Period.