BANGKOK: New dinosaur fossils found in Phu Wiang likely belong to a large, long-necked sauropod, bigger than Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, possibly nearly 20 metres long.
Sutham Wongchan, Head of Phu Wiang National Park, revealed on Tuesday (May 20) that in 2024, Phu Wiang National Park, in collaboration with the Department of Mineral Resources Region 2, Mahasarakham University, and Khon Kaen Geopark, carried out the project titled “Excavation and Data Collection of Dinosaur Fossils at Huay Pratu Tima Excavation Site, Phu Wiang National Park.”
The excavation team uncovered dinosaur bones from the upper neck and large rib bones.
The bones exhibited a porous structure similar to that of bird bones, leading experts to believe they belong to a sauropod dinosaur—a long-necked herbivore—larger in size than the previously discovered species Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae.
The body length is estimated to be nearly 20 metres.
This find is considered a new fossil species in the area, though confirmation as a new species worldwide awaits the completion of further research.
The dinosaur bones found at excavation pit number 3 show clear characteristics of a sauropod herbivore belonging to the Brachiosauridae group.
The vertebrae and ribs contain small air cavities within the bone tissue, distinctly different from those of Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae.
This group of dinosaurs lived during the Late Jurassic period in North America, including species such as Brachiosaurus, and in Africa, such as Giraffatitan.
Their distribution extended into the Late Cretaceous period in Asia, with findings in China and South Korea.
Visitors are welcome to observe the ongoing fossil excavation, guided by Thailand’s expert dinosaur fossil excavators, daily at Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen Province. - The Nation/ANN
