A new species of snake named after actor Harrison Ford was found in Peru

A new species of snake named after actor Harrison Ford was found in Peru

According to San Marcos National University, the 40 cm (16 inch) long lizard was first spotted in Otishi National Park's forested highlands in May 2022.

Lima: In recognition of the "Indiana Jones" actor's support for conservation efforts, Peruvian scientists have given a new species of snake the name Harrison Ford.

According to San Marcos National University, the 40 cm (16 inch) long lizard was first spotted in Otishi National Park's forested highlands in May 2022.

But it wasn't until recently that scientists came to the conclusion that it was indeed a novel species.

This creature has copper eyes and a belly that is black with patches that are yellowish-brown in colour.

Tachymenoides harrisonfordi is the name given to it in scientific terminology. A team lead by the US-German scientist Edgar Lehr made the initial discovery of the snake.

Ford's involvement in environmental concerns led to the change in moniker, Lehr told AFP from Illinois.

He remarked of an NGO, "I discovered committee Harrison Ford consented in order to have his name used via a consultation that the Conservation International organisation made."

He said that the snake was found in a place that could only be reached by helicopter.  

We searched for it for seven days, according to Lehr.

He stated that although the snake is not dangerous to adult people, toads and lizards are among its preferred prey.

Lehr oversaw a group of scientists from Illinois Wesleyan University, Florida International University, and San Marcos National University.

A paper on the finding of the snake was published in Salamandra, the German Journal of Herpetology, on Tuesday.