Giant New Dinosaur Identified from ‘Strange-Looking Rocks’ Found in Pond

A newly identified species of dinosaur, the Nagatitan, has been unveiled as the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia. The announcement was made by researchers from University College London (UCL) on May 14, highlighting the significant find in the Chaiyaphum Province of Thailand, where the dinosaur’s bones were uncovered.

The Nagatitan, officially named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, roamed the Earth approximately 100 to 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. This enormous creature is estimated to have reached lengths of up to 27 metres (88 feet) and weighed over 29 tons—comparable to the weight of nine adult Asian elephants. This discovery offers new insights into the diversity of sauropod dinosaurs, a family known for their long necks and tails, which predominantly consumed plant material.

The bones of Nagatitan were initially found by a local man, Thanom Luangnan, about a decade ago. While exploring the banks of a pond in the region, Luangnan stumbled upon what he described as “strange-looking rocks.” His report to the Department of Mineral Resources initiated further investigations, which eventually confirmed that the rocks contained dinosaur bones. The fossilised remains included vertebrae, ribs, hip bones, and limb bones, encased in rock estimated to be around 113 million years old.

Significantly, the Nagatitan predates the wildly famous Tyrannosaurus rex—known to have existed between 66 and 68 million years ago in North America. This places Nagatitan among some of the earliest large dinosaurs that evolved during its time. According to vertebrate paleontologist and lead researcher, Sita Manitkoon, the substantial size of these Asian dinosaurs illustrates a successful survival strategy during the Early Cretaceous.

Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, who led the study published in the journal *Scientific Reports*, emphasised the uniqueness of this discovery. He referred to the Nagatitan as “the last titan” of Thailand, noting that it was found in one of the youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formations in the country. This geological context suggests that larger dinosaurs may be rarely discovered due to subsequent environmental changes in the region, which became dominated by shallow sea as time progressed.

Sethapanichsakul expressed his ambitions to elevate the profile of Southeast Asian dinosaurs on the global stage. Growing up fascinated by dinosaurs, he remarked, “This study does not only establish a new species but also fulfils a childhood promise of naming a dinosaur.” His passion for palaeontology drives his commitment to further research and recognition of the rich dinosaur heritage in Southeast Asia.

The discovery of the Nagatitan marks a notable addition to our understanding of dinosaur evolution and distribution, particularly in regions that have previously been overlooked in the narrative of dinosaurs. As research continues, the implications of this find may deepen the knowledge surrounding the ecological dynamics of ancient dinosaur habitats, as well as the evolutionary pathways of these remarkable creatures.

Contributions from both local residents and academic researchers highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in palaeontological studies. The partnership between local finders and scientific institutions underscores the ongoing need for protection and exploration of natural heritage sites in Southeast Asia.

Overall, the Nagatitan represents a remarkable chapter in the history of dinosaurs and their adaptations, offering a glimpse into a prehistoric world where giants roamed tropical landscapes millions of years ago. As further studies emerge, the legacy of the Nagatitan will continue to captivate both scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.