Thailand discovery: New lizard species named after ‘House of the Dragon’

Researchers have discovered a new species of mountain horned dragon in the high-elevation evergreen forests of Mae Wong National Park, Thailand. The lizard, scientifically named Acanthosaura syrax, was identified at altitudes exceeding 1,300 meters in the Tak-Kamphaeng Phet region.

Scientists from the Chulabhorn Royal Academy and Kasetsart University named the species after Syrax, a dragon from the HBO series ‘House of the Dragon’. The name was chosen because the lizard shares several characteristics with the fictional creature, including a yellowish-green coloration, a relatively small size for its genus, and the ability to lay large clutches of eggs.

DNA analysis has confirmed that Acanthosaura syrax is genetically distinct from its closest relative, Acanthosaura lepidogaster. This discovery brings the total number of recognized species within the Acanthosaura genus to 23. Due to its restricted habitat in a narrow strip of high-altitude forest, researchers expressed concerns regarding the species' potential vulnerability to extinction.