Scientists unveil REAL 'Chinese dragon' fossils

Lucinda Cameron, The Independent, 2/22/24; CC Liu, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, Guizhou province, China (Nat'l Museums Scotland/PA Wire)

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We remember you, O Dragon, so please spare us.

More details of a long-necked sea creature compared to a Chinese dragon have been revealed for the first time following new research.

The Dinocephalosaurus orientalis fossils were discovered in Guizhou province, southern China.

With 32 separate neck vertebrae, it had an extraordinarily long neck, researchers say, and its flippered limbs and well-preserved fish in its stomach region indicated it was very well adapted to an oceanic lifestyle.

Naga: sea creature, reptilian dinosaur

But they lived on to battle humans.

The reptile was originally identified in 2003, but the discovery of additional, more complete specimens since then has enabled an international team of scientists to depict the creature in full [which is particularly fitting to reveal at the beginning of the Year of the Dragon].

Nick Fraser, keeper of natural sciences at National Museums Scotland, was one of those involved. He said:

Long neck easy to support in water, chasing fish

“This discovery allows us to see this remarkable long-necked animal in full for the very first time. “It is yet one more example of the weird and wonderful world of the Triassic that continues to baffle palaeontologists. “We are certain that it will capture imaginations across the globe due to its striking appearance, reminiscent of the long and snake-like mythical Chinese dragon.” More:

• VIDEO: Paleontologists unveil secrets of 240-million-year-old fossilized ‘Chinese dragon,’ a creature adapted to water