Paleontologists Discover New Dinosaur Species from Jurassic Era in Thailand
Photographs of the excavated Minimocursor punoiensis fossil have revealed a groundbreaking discovery in Northeastern Thailand. Paleontologists have identified the fossil as belonging to a new species, which has been named Minimocursor phunoiensis. These herbivorous dinosaurs are believed to have roamed the grasslands of Thailand during the Late Jurassic period, estimated to be around 145 to 200 million years ago. The remains were originally uncovered in the Pukradung Formation located in northern Thailand. The findings of this extraordinary discovery were published at the beginning of July in the journal, Diversity.
New Dinosaur Taxon Found in the Phunoi Region
The research paper states, “The Phunoi region contains an abundance of specimens, including well-preserved articulated skeletons of dinosaurs found in Southeast Asia. This constitutes the first dinosaur taxon found in this particular strata.”
Neozoic dinosaurs, classified as plant-eating dinosaurs, include theropods and storks.
Initial discovery of the fossil dates back to 2012. After more than six years of rigorous research, scholars concluded that this was a previously unreported and distinct species. Detailed examination of 225 sections of the skeleton revealed five distinctive features in the hips, face, and hands. Among these characteristics, a small group of bone in the jaw and a unique joint in the pubic bone were particularly rare.
A Remarkably Complete Skeleton
Co-author of the research paper, Sita Manikkun, a researcher at the Paleontological Research Centre, Maha Sarakham University, described the fossil as “one of the most complete skeletons ever found in Thailand.” He emphasized the significance of the intact nature of the joints, stating, “Until now, when dinosaur fossils were discovered in Thailand, only isolated parts such as leg bones or vertebrae were found. However, this time, we have a connected whole, making it truly remarkable.”
The condition of the teeth suggests that M. punoiensis was a herbivorous dinosaur. Manikkun also speculates that this species was once abundant based on the discovery of at least 10 other specimens belonging to the same species.
Based on estimation, adult M. punoiensis reached a size of approximately 2 meters, with a femur measuring 25 cm. This is comparable to the stature of a llama or a modern-day lion. Given its relatively compact size and agile movement, the species was named after the Latin term minimocuser, meaning ‘the smallest runner’.
Expanding the Family Tree of East Asian Dinosaurs
Darren Naish, a paleontologist at the University of Southampton, has noted that M. punoiensis belongs to a vast family of dinosaurs from East Asia, which stretches from southern Thailand to northern Siberia. Naish suggests that there may be more M. punoiensis specimens to be discovered in these regions, given the favorable condition of the existing fossils.
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Photograph of Minimocursor punoiensis fossil excavated. [자료=A New Basal Neornithischian Dinosaur from the Phu Kradung Formation (Upper Jurassic) of Northeastern Thailand]
Paleontologists identified the fossils as a new dinosaur species from the Jurassic period. It was named Minimocursor phunoiensis. It is estimated that they grazed the grasslands of Thailand during the Late Jurassic period, around 145 to 200 million years ago. The remains were first discovered in the Pukradung Formation in northern Thailand. The scholars published their findings in the journal Diversity at the beginning of July.
“The Phunoi region contains an abundance of specimens, including well-preserved articulated skeletons of dinosaurs found in Southeast Asia,” the paper said. This is the first dinosaur taxon found in the strata.”
Neozoic dinosaurs are mainly plant-eating dinosaurs, and include theropods and storks.
Researchers first discovered the fossil in 2012. After more than 6 years of research, it was concluded that it was a new species that had not been reported before. A look at 225 different parts of the skeleton revealed five distinctive features in the hips, face, and hands. There was a small bundle of bone in the jaw and a rare joint in the pubic bone.
Reproduction of the species Minimocursor punoiensis. [자료=Sita Manitkoon, Uthumporn Deesri, Bouziane Khalloufi, et al / MR. DinoDigger]
Co-author of the paper, Sita Manikkun, a researcher at the Paleontological Research Centre, Maha Sarakham University, said the fossil was “one of the most complete skeletons. Until now, when dinosaurs were found in Thailand, only certain parts of “such as leg bones or vertebrae have been discovered. But this time, joints are articulated.” This connected whole came out and made it special,” he emphasized.
Judging by the condition of its teeth, it is assumed that it was a herbivorous dinosaur. It is also explained that Manikkun is likely to have been a common species in the past. At least 10 other specimens of the same species have been dug up together, he added.
It is estimated that M. punoiensis adults grow to about 2 meters with a 25 cm femur. It is as far as a llama or a lion today. Based on his relatively short stature and development to move quickly, he was named after the Latin term minimocuser, meaning ‘the smallest runner’.
Darren Naish, a palaeontologist at the University of Southampton, told New Scientist that M. punoiensis belongs to a vast family tree of dinosaurs from East Asia that stretches from southern Thailand to northern Siberia. Naish adds that there is a chance of finding more M. funoiensis in these areas because the fossil specimens are in good condition.
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