Palaeontologists in Thailand have identified a new species of plant-eating dinosaur, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, from fossils discovered in Kalasin Province. The dinosaur is believed to have lived approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period and possessed an exceptionally long neck, reaching an estimated length of 20 meters (66 feet).
The discovery was made from a fossil collection at the Phu Noi site, initially identified in 2008 when fragments resembling serpent scales were found. Extensive excavation at the site, which has yielded a wide variety of fossils, uncovered more than 90% dinosaur fragments. Among these, a dorsal vertebra with distinctive characteristics led to the identification of the new species.
CT scans revealed that Uragasaurus kalasinensis belongs to the Mamenchisauridae family of sauropod dinosaurs, a group known for their elongated necks that likely aided in reaching vegetation at various heights. While most fossils from this family have been found in China, this marks the first discovery of its kind in Thailand. Unique features identified through the scans, including a Y-shaped arrangement of supporting bones called laminae and a distinct air-cavity structure, set this dinosaur apart from others globally.
Dr. Apirat Nilphanaphan of Mahasarakham University, the study's lead author, described the unique features as unlike any other dinosaur. The findings were published in the scientific journal Nature.
This discovery follows the May identification of another long-necked herbivore, Nagatitan, also found in Thailand. Nagatitan is recognized as the largest dinosaur discovered in Southeast Asia, weighing approximately 27 tonnes and measuring 27 meters (88 feet) in length.