Tachymenoides harrisonfordi

August 17, 2023

A newly discovered species of snake in Peru has been named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi in tribute to actor Harrison Ford’s environmental advocacy. Known for his portrayal of Indiana Jones, who famously fears snakes, Ford’s real-life commitment to conservation earned him this distinction.

The snake was found in Peru’s Otishi National Park by researchers from Peru and the United States. Measuring about 16 inches when fully grown, the non-harmful Tachymenoides harrisonfordi serves as a reminder of the importance of studying and preserving Earth’s diverse biosphere. The discovery sheds light on the plight of reptiles, as over a fifth of all reptile species are currently threatened with extinction. Ford’s namesake snake joins previous honors of a spider and an ant named after him.

Why was a new snake species named after Harrison Ford?

The Tachymenoides harrisonfordi snake species was named after Harrison Ford to recognize his dedicated environmental advocacy. As the vice chair of the non-profit group Conservation International, Ford’s efforts in conservation were honored by naming the species after him.

How does Harrison Ford react to having creatures named after him?

Harrison Ford expressed a mixture of humility and amusement regarding creatures being named after him. He humorously remarked that the named species tend to be those that terrify children, despite his personal interests such as cross-stitching and caring for plants.

What’s the significance of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi discovery?

The discovery of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi snake species holds importance for biodiversity conservation. Named by researchers from Peru and the United States, the snake’s discovery draws attention to the need to protect known species during the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

How does the naming of species contribute to their conservation?

For biologists, naming and publicizing new species are crucial activities during the ongoing biodiversity crisis. By officially naming a species, its existence becomes recognized and can be better protected, emphasizing the importance of conserving Earth’s diverse life forms.

Why is the discovery of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi snake species relevant to the issue of extinction?

The discovery of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi snake species brings attention to the broader issue of species extinction. The snake’s existence highlights the extinction crisis faced by many species globally, especially reptiles, where over 20% are currently under threat.

What are some previous examples of species named after Harrison Ford?

Prior to the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi snake, two other species were named after Harrison Ford. The Calponia harrisonfordi, a California spider, was named in 1993, and later an ant species named Pheidole harrisonfordi was also dubbed after the actor.

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