Geologists unearth new turtle species

NATURAL HISTORY

The fossil of a previously unknown turtle species from the Jurassic period has been unearthed near Phupan mountain in Mukdahan.

This 150 million year-old fossil of a previously unknown turtle species, dubbed Basilochelyes macro bios, was found in a mountain village in Mukdahan province.

The prehistoric turtle, which lived during the age of the dinosaurs, is thought to be an ancestor of several Southeast Asian turtles, veteran geologist Varavudh Suteethorn said yesterday.

The discovery confirms the geological importance of the northeastern region, where many other fossils of animals have been found.

Mr Varavudh, director of the Mineral Resources Department's fossil research and geological museum bureau, said the fossilised turtle had unique characteristics - from its carapace to the shape of its backbone.

These features provide significant evidence that it is a previously unknown species from the late Jurassic period.

The fossil is approximately 150 million years old. The world's oldest turtle fossil, Progonochelys, is over 200 million years old. Progonochelys was found in Khon Kaen some years ago.

"It [Progonochelys] is the oldest Southeast Asian turtle ever found in Thailand," the geologist said.

Two pieces of turtle fossil measuring 80cm x 90cm were discovered by the department's geology team in 2005 near Phupan mountain in Non Sung district, Mukdahan. The fossils of other animals, including dinosaurs, ancient fish and crocodiles, were also found at the site.

The geologists worked with Chinese experts to identify the turtle family and confirmed it was a new species.

The discovery of the species was published in the London-based Geological Society journal this year. It has been named Basilochelyes macro bios, in honour of His Majesty the King.

Adisak Thongkaimook, the department chief, said the department planned to send a replica of the Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae dinosaur fossil to be exhibited at the Dinosaur Museum of Esperaza in France on July 4.

"We have had good cooperation with France in fossil studies for a long time," Mr Adisak said. "This is the first time that we've sent a dinosaur replica for the annual dinosaur exhibition." The fossil of Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, a 130 million year-old giant plant-eater, was first found in Khon Kaen in 1980. Almost 20 years later, geologists found a near-perfect Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae fossil in Kalasin province with more than 60% of the dinosaur's bones uncovered at the site.