New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
Key Points:
- Scientists have discovered a massive new dinosaur species in Thailand, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, estimated to have weighed about 27 tons, equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants.
- The long-necked herbivore measured 88 feet in length and lived approximately 100 to 120 million years ago, making it the largest dinosaur found in Southeast Asia.
- The dinosaur was unearthed from one of the youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formations in Thailand, suggesting it may be the last large sauropod discovered in the region.
- Nagatitan's remains were first found a decade ago, with excavation completed in 2024, and the species was identified due to unique features distinguishing it from other sauropods.
- A life-size reconstruction of Nagatitan is currently displayed at Bangkok's Thainosaur Museum, highlighting its significance in paleontological research in Southeast Asia.