The newly identified species, named *Yakamys sirindhornae*, dates to the middle of the Paleogene period and was identified from a lower molar and incisor found at a local lignite mine. Using seven distinct measurement methods on the fossilized teeth, the research team calculated the creature's weight at approximately 30 kilograms, or 66 pounds. This made the animal roughly double the mass of contemporary rodents from that era, such as *Hulgana*. While the dental evidence provides vital initial data, scientists emphasize that additional fossil discoveries are needed to clarify its full physical traits and ecological niche.
Key points
The discovery proves that rodent gigantism evolved in Southeast Asia much earlier than pa…: The discovery proves that rodent gigantism evolved in Southeast Asia much earlier than paleontologists previously understood.
Scientists estimate the ancient creature was roughly twice as heavy as other known rodent…: Scientists estimate the ancient creature was roughly twice as heavy as other known rodents living in the same era.
Researchers caution that additional fossil material is necessary to resolve uncertainties…: Researchers caution that additional fossil material is necessary to resolve uncertainties regarding the species' physical traits and evolutionary lineage.
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- Date:
- November 10, 2026
- Source:
- McGill University
- Summary:
- Scientists have uncovered fossils of a giant rodent that lived in Thailand 34 million years ago, revealing that enormous rodents evolved much earlier than previously thought. Named Yakamys sirindhornae, the ancient animal may have weighed around 66 pounds, roughly twice as much as other known rodents of its time.
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An ancient rodent of extraordinary size has been identified from fossils uncovered in a mine in southern Thailand. The discovery, made by an international team of paleontologists that includes scientists from McGill University, provides new evidence that giant rodents appeared much earlier and in more parts of the world than previously believed.
The researchers found "remarkably large" fossilized teeth belonging to a previously unknown species called Yakamys sirindhornae. This prehistoric rodent lived approximately 34 million years ago, during the middle of the Paleogene period. Its remains, consisting of a lower second molar and a lower incisor, were recovered from the Bang Mark Pit at the Krabi lignite mine in Thailand's Krabi Province.
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