A new variety of lizard, which resides in the mountainous regions of Thailand, has been named in allusion to a dragon present in the Game of Thrones universe. Specifically, Acanthosaura syrax honors Syrax, the female dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the production House of the Dragon.
The genus Acanthosaura is popularly known as the 'horned mountain dragons' due to the prominent spines on its back and head, as well as its habit of living at high altitudes in Southeast Asia.
This new species was located in the forests of Mae Wong National Park, situated in western Thailand, at an altitude of 1,300 meters.
Scientists affiliated with the Royal Chulabhorn Academy and Kasetsart University justified the choice of name because in the series House of the Dragon and the book Fire & Blood, the dragon Syrax is portrayed as a modestly sized animal (compared to other dragons) and with a yellowish coloration. Furthermore, it is described as having laid numerous eggs.
Interestingly, these characteristics coincide with the new lizard: it is smaller than most members of its genus, has a yellow-green hue, and lays a large number of eggs despite being small in body.
The distinction of this species from others in the same group was determined by visual differences; for example, it does not exhibit the black spot around the eye seen in other lizards of the genus, but rather a distinct dark collar-shaped mark on its neck.
Additionally, DNA analyses confirmed that A. syrax is genetically distant from its closest relative, A. lepidogaster.
The species appears to be restricted to a small forest area in the mountainous zones. Scientists warn that this geographical limitation could put the animal at risk of extinction if human interventions occur in the region. For this reason, the team requests that more research be conducted and that the reserve be maintained under the protection of competent authorities. The study detailing this new species was published in a scientific journal.