New Mountain Horned Dragon Named for House of the Dragon Character

The naming choice reflects the lizard's distinct mustard-yellow hue, its compact frame relative to its cousins, and a notably high clutch size. Published July 31 in the journal ZooKeys, the study details how the discovery brings the total number of recognized Acanthosaura species to 23. These reptiles are easily identified by the signature spiny crests running along their necks and backs.

Currently, the species remains confined to the fragmented, rugged terrain of Mae Wong. Researchers are advocating for increased conservation efforts in the area, aiming to leverage the dragon-inspired name to boost public and scientific interest. They contend that A. syrax could serve as a vital flagship species for the region, prompting further surveys in neighboring highlands to uncover additional hidden biodiversity in northern and western Thailand.