Pronunciation: rat-KAS-ee-muh-SOR-us
Meaning: Ratchasima lizard
Author/s: Shibata, Jintasakul and Azuma (2011)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Discovery Chart Position: #787
Ratchasimasaurus suranareae
Discovered in the Khok Kruat Formation of Nakhon Ratchasima, Ratchasimasaurus was the second iguanodont from Thailand to be named in the space of a month. The other one, Siamodon nimngami, was discovered in the same area, though by a different team independently, and it wasn't long before palaeontologists were banging heads over classifications, potential synonymity issues, and whatnot.
Ratchasimasaurus (known only from a lower jaw with a combination of primitive and advanced features) was described as a non-hadrosaurid iguanodont, aka a hadrosauroid, aka a hadrosaur (though some think it may be a styracosternan) while Siamodon (known only from an upper jaw) was described as an advanced iguanodontian, aka a non-hadrosaurid iguanodont, aka a hadrosauroid, aka... wait for it... a hadrosaur.
Although from the same family, place and time, both teams of scientists insist their specimen is unique, and it's hard to prove otherwise as comparable body parts are sadly lacking.
Ratchasimasaurus (known only from a lower jaw with a combination of primitive and advanced features) was described as a non-hadrosaurid iguanodont, aka a hadrosauroid, aka a hadrosaur (though some think it may be a styracosternan) while Siamodon (known only from an upper jaw) was described as an advanced iguanodontian, aka a non-hadrosaurid iguanodont, aka a hadrosauroid, aka... wait for it... a hadrosaur.
Although from the same family, place and time, both teams of scientists insist their specimen is unique, and it's hard to prove otherwise as comparable body parts are sadly lacking.
Etymology
Ratchasimasaurus is derived from "Ratchasima" (the Thai Province in which it was discovered) and the Greek "sauros" (lizard).
The species epithet, suranareae, is named for Thao Suranari—wife of the deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima at the time of the Vientiane King Anouvong's attack on Korat in 1826. After Anouvong seized the town and turfed out its inhabitants, Lady Mo (as she is also known) saved the day by getting the invading soldiers roaring drunk. Most suspect the tale of her exploits is complete claptrap, but it's as good a reason as any for a yearly festival.
Discovery
The remains of Ratchasimasaurus were discovered in the Khok Kruat Formation, near a pond in the Khok Kruat subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand, by a local farmer, between 2002 and 2004.
The holotype (NRRU-A2064) is a dentary (tooth-bearing bone of the lower jaw).
