Thai scientists have discovered a new species of lizard and named it after one of the most famous dragons in George R. R. Martin’s universe. The new species has been named Acanthosaura syrax, after Syrax, the dragon ridden by Rhaenyra Targaryen in the television series «House of the Dragon.» Kursiv LifeStyle takes a closer look.
The new species was discovered in the high-elevation evergreen forests of Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand. The lizard belongs to a group known as mountain horned dragons — small agamid lizards with spiny crests on their heads, necks and backs.
According to the study’s authors, the name was not chosen by chance. Like the dragon Syrax, the lizard is distinguished by its yellow-green coloration, relatively small size and unusually large egg clutches.
The scientists noted that Acanthosaura syrax is found exclusively in one area of Thailand, at elevations above 1,300 meters above sea level. DNA analysis confirmed that it is a distinct species, separate from its closest relatives.
Because of its very limited range, the researchers consider the newly discovered lizard vulnerable. They hope that its unusual name will help draw attention to the need to protect Thailand’s high-elevation forests and their rare inhabitants.
Previously, Kursiv LifeStyle reported that Chinese scientists had discovered a new species of bumblebee goby fish and named it after South Korean singer Jennie of the BLACKPINK group.
