New species of snake found in Peru named after Harrison Ford
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Harrison Ford was named after a new snake species first discovered in the jungle mountains of Otishi National Park.
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A Tachymenoides Harrisonfordi snake in Otishi National Park in Peru, May 22, 2022. (AFP)
A new snake species was discovered by scientists and named after Harrison Ford in honor of the "Indiana Jones" actor's support for conservation work.
The 40 cm reptile was first discovered in the jungle mountains of Otishi National Park, San Marcos National University said on Wednesday, but it was not until now that researchers concluded it was indeed a previously unknown species.
The snake has a yellowish-brown color, with black spots, a black belly, and copper eyes. It has been given the scientific name Tachymenoides Harrisonfordi.
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The reptile was first found by Edgar Lehr, a US-German biologist, and his team. It was named after Ford because he is active in environmental issues, Lehr told AFP from the state of Illinois. "I found out that Harrison Ford agreed to have his name used via a consultation that Conservation International made," he added, referring to an NGO that provides support for conservation efforts.
He said the snake was discovered in an area that is only accessible by helicopter, adding that "It took us seven days to find it."
The snake is harmless to adult humans, but it is good at hunting toads and lizards, he added.
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Harrison Ford responded to species being named after him, “These scientists keep naming critters after me, but it’s always the ones that terrify children. I spend my free time cross-stitching. I sing lullabies to my basil plants so they won’t fear the night.”
The team that discovered the snake comprised researchers from San Marcos National University, Florida International University, and Illinois Wesleyan University.
