Scientists have identified a new species of lizard living in the high mountain forests of western Thailand. The species, Acanthosaura syrax, takes its name from Syrax, the dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon.
Acanthosaura syrax belongs to a group of agamid lizards known as mountain horned dragons, which are distinguished by the spiny crests that extend along the neck and back.
Researchers found the species in an evergreen forest within Mae Wong National Park, in Tak-Kamphaeng Phet Province, at elevations above 1,300 meters. So far, it has not been found anywhere else. Its discovery increases the number of recognized species in the genus Acanthosaura to 23.
The research was led by Poramad Trivalairat and colleagues from Chulabhorn Royal Academy and Kasetsart University. The team intentionally chose the name Syrax because several traits of the fictional dragon are reflected in the newly described lizard.
In the fantasy series, Syrax is known for her striking yellow coloration, relatively small size compared with other dragons, and unusually high egg production.
The researchers saw similar characteristics in A. syrax. The lizard has yellowish-green coloration, ranks among the smallest species in its genus, and produces relatively large clutches of eggs for its body size. The scientists have proposed "Syrax mountain horned dragon" as its English common name, along with a Thai name that carries the same meaning.
The species is distinctive for more than its fantasy-inspired name. It has the smallest neck and back crest scales yet documented in the genus, as well as a generally small body size. Unlike several closely related species, it does not have a black patch around the eye. Instead, it has a characteristic dark collar marking.
Genetic testing supported the physical differences observed by the researchers. An analysis of two genes showed that A. syrax is genetically distinct from its closest known relative, A. lepidogaster, as well as from every other recognized species in the group.
The newly identified lizard appears to occupy only a narrow zone of high-altitude forest. According to the researchers, the rugged landscape naturally separates its populations across the mountain range, which could make the species especially vulnerable if its habitat faces additional pressure.
The team is urging stronger protection for the high-elevation forests of Mae Wong. They suggest that A. syrax could become a flagship species for conservation in the region, joining other rare animals found there, including the Asian forest tortoise, Oldham's leaf turtle and the Indochinese tiger.
The study is published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.
Materials provided by Pensoft Publishers. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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