New long-necked dinosaur species discovered in Kalasin

A team of researchers from Thailand’s Maha Sarakham University has discovered a new species of long-necked sauropod dinosaur, dating back 150 million years, at the Phu Noi fossil site in the northeastern province of Kalasin.

Named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, the creature is Thailand’s 15th officially recognised dinosaur species.

It is the first-ever member of the Mamenchisauridae family to be formally named in Southeast Asia.

The breakthrough study was published in the online peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports on July 8.

According to the research team, the genus name Uragasaurus combines the Sanskrit word ‘Uraga’, meaning snake or “one that moves on its chest” with the Greek ‘saurus’, meaning lizard or reptile.

The name was chosen because the exceptionally long necks of mamenchisaurids strongly evoke the imagery of a snake or the mythical Naga serpent. The species name, kalasinensis, honours Kalasin province where the fossils were unearthed.

Researchers identified the new species by examining a holotype, consisting of dorsal vertebrae alongside other skeletal fragments found in the same area.

Utilising advanced CT scanning technology to analyse the internal bone architecture, the team discovered several unique features never before seen in other dinosaurs. The scans revealed a distinct honeycomb-like internal air cavity structure within the bones, providing definitive evidence to classify the dinosaur as a completely new species.

Mamenchisaurids are recognised globally for their ultra-elongated necks, which can account for nearly half of their total body length.

While previous evidence of this group was found primarily in China, this latest discovery proves that these iconic giants also roamed the territory of modern-day Thailand during the Late Jurassic period.

The Phu Noi fossil site, situated within the Phu Kradueng geological formation, is one of the richest vertebrate fossil repositories in Southeast Asia.

Over 6,000 fossil specimens have been retrieved from the site which, 150 million years ago, was an ecosystem comprised of ancient rivers, floodplains and oxbow lakes.

Phu Noi has previously yielded significant paleontological finds, including Thailand's 13th dinosaur species, Minimocursor phunoiensis.

The site serves as a crucial window into the Late Jurassic era, having produced an abundance of prehistoric wildlife, including carnivorous dinosaurs, ancient turtles, crocodiles, freshwater sharks, lungfish, bony fish, amphibians and pterosaurs.

The Maha Sarakham University research team claims that this discovery underscores Thailand's immense potential as an international hub for paleontological research, continuing to draw scientists from around the globe to unlock secrets of the prehistoric world.