Thailand unearths Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur, the mighty Nagatitan

Researchers in Thailand have discovered Southeast Asia's largest dinosaur, a plant-eating species named *Nagatitan*. This colossal creature, measuring 27 meters (88 feet) long and weighing approximately 27 tonnes, roamed the region between 100 and 120 million years ago. The discovery, detailed in the journal *Scientific Reports*, makes *Nagatitan* significantly larger than Dippy the Diplodocus, a well-known dinosaur specimen. This significant paleontological find provides new insights into the prehistoric life of Southeast Asia.

Scientists have identified a new species of dinosaur in Thailand, named *Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis*. This massive herbivore, a type of sauropod, is the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia, stretching 27 meters and weighing approximately 27 tonnes, equivalent to nine elephants. Researchers estimate it roamed the region between 100 and 120 million years ago. While its head and teeth were not recovered, its diet is believed to have consisted of high volumes of vegetation. The discovery is significant as sauropods were among the largest land animals in Earth's history, and *Nagatitan* is notably larger than other well-known sauropods.

Scientists have identified a new species of giant long-necked dinosaur, named *Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis*, from fossils discovered in Thailand. This sauropod, the largest dinosaur found in Southeast Asia, weighed 27 tonnes and measured 27 meters long, making it twice the size of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The fossils, unearthed a decade ago in northeastern Thailand, date back 100 to 120 million years. Researchers believe this discovery offers insights into how ancient climate shifts facilitated the evolution of such colossal creatures. The name "Nagatitan" references South Asian folklore and Greek mythology, with "chaiyaphumensis" indicating its origin in the Chaiyaphum province.