New dinosaur species with neck as long as cricket pitch discovered in Thailand

Palaeontologists in Thailand have accidentally uncovered a new dinosaur taxon from fossils excavated in Kalasin Province, located in the country’s north‑east. The herbivorous species has been named Uragasaurus kalasinensis and is estimated to have lived approximately 150 million years ago. Measurements indicate the animal reached lengths of up to 20 m (66 ft), a size comparable to that of a cricket pitch, owing to an exceptionally long neck. Dr Apirat Nilphanaphan of Mahasarakham University, identified as the study’s pb author, informed BBC Thai that the specimen formed part of a substantial fossil assemblage from a locality first recognised in 2008, when a local resident unearthed fragments reminiscent of serpent scales. The site, known as Phu Noi, yielded a diverse collection of Late Jurassic remains, with more than 90 % of the excavated material consisting of dinosaur fragments. During subsequent fieldwork the research team recovered additional items such as teeth and bones, yet the pivotal piece was a dorsal vertebra—a bone from the middle or upper back—displaying distinctive traits. A CT scan of the vertebra placed the dinosaur within the Mamenchisauridae family of sauropods, a group noted for its remarkably elongated necks that likely facilitated feeding at various vegetation levels. Although most Mamenchisauridae specimens have been documented in China, this discovery marks the first record of the family in Thailand. The scan also exposed uncommon anatomical features, including a Y‑shaped statement of supporting bones termed laminae and an unusual air‑cavity structure. Niphanaphan told BBC Thai the features, in particular the unusual air‑cavity structure, were “unlike immoderate different dinosaur in the world... That's what sets it apart”. He further remarked that he smashed his keyboard upon realizing they had identified a new species, adding that he felt both “exhilarated and relieved”. The findings were published in the Nature technological diary earlier this week. In May, scientists announced the identification of another long‑necked herbivore, the nagatitan, based on remains dug up in Thailand. The nagatitan holds the title of the largest dinosaur ever found in South‑East Asia, weighing 27 tonnes—equivalent to roughly nine large Asian elephants—and measuring 27 m (88 ft) in length. Additional reporting by Jiraporn Srijaem.