Pronunciation: sih-rin-DHOR-nuh
Meaning: for Princess Sirindhorn
Author/s: Shibata et al. (2015)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Acta Ordinal: #919
Sirindhorna khoratensis
(For Sirindhorn, From Korat)Etymology
Sirindhorna is named to honour the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, for her contribution to the support and encouragement of paleontology in Thailand.
The species epithet, khoratensis, is derived from "Korat" (the informal name of Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima Province) and the Latin "ensis" (from). Zoobank registry: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:54C342F2-EB92-4047-8F78-714025579CB5.
Discovery
The remains of Sirindhorna were discovered in the Khok Kruat Formation (Khorat Group) at In Ban (meaning "village") Saphan Hinin, Suranaree Subdistrict, Muaeng Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
The site is active farmland, lying beneath maize and tapioca fields, with around a metre of thin red agricultural soil covering the Early Cretaceous strata. The first fossils were found by local farmers while digging a small reservoir, and a preliminary excavation was performed by a crew from Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in 2005, as part of the Japan–Thailand Dinosaur Project.
The holotype (NRRU3001-166) is a partial skull. Referred material includes disarticulated skull elements, jaw bones and teeth. At least four individuals are present in the quarry.
