Scientists have named a newly described lizard from the high mountain forests of western Thailand after Syrax, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s dragon in House of the Dragon. The species, Acanthosaura syrax, is described in the open-access journal ZooKeys.
The lizard named after Syrax belongs to the mountain horned dragons, agamid lizards recognisable by the spiny crests running along their necks and backs. It was found in the evergreen forests of Mae Wong National Park, at elevations above 1,300 metres, and appears to live nowhere else. The find brings the number of known species in the genus Acanthosaura to 23.
A lizard named after Syrax
The name was a deliberate choice. In the show, Syrax is known for her yellow colouring, a modest size by dragon standards and an unusually large number of eggs. The researchers, led by Poramad Trivalairat of Chulabhorn Royal Academy and Kasetsart University, found the same three qualities echoed in the lizard named after Syrax: yellowish-green tones, one of the smallest bodies in its genus and unusually large clutches for its size. The team proposes “Syrax mountain horned dragon” as the English common name, alongside a Thai name that translates the same way.
The smallest crests in the genus
The species also carries the smallest neck and back crest scales recorded anywhere in the genus, lacks the black patch around the eye seen in several related species, and has a distinctive dark collar marking. DNA analysis of two genes backed up the field observations, confirming A. syrax is genetically distinct from its closest relative, A. lepidogaster, and from every other known species in the group.
A flagship for Mae Wong’s high forest
The species appears confined to a narrow band of high-altitude forest, its populations naturally scattered by the rugged terrain of the mountain range — a situation the researchers say leaves it vulnerable if its habitat comes under further pressure. They are calling for stronger protection of Mae Wong’s high-elevation forests, arguing the lizard could serve as a flagship species for the area alongside the Asian forest tortoise, Oldham’s leaf turtle and the Indochinese tiger.
House of the Dragon streams on OSN+ in the UAE.
What is Acanthosaura syrax?
A newly described species of mountain horned dragon lizard from high-altitude forest in western Thailand. It is the 23rd known species in the genus Acanthosaura and was described in the journal ZooKeys.
Why is the lizard named after Syrax?
Syrax, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s dragon in House of the Dragon, is known for its yellow colouring, modest size and many eggs. The lizard shares all three traits: yellowish-green tones, a small body and large clutches.
Where was the new lizard found?
In evergreen forest above 1,300 metres in Mae Wong National Park, Tak-Kamphaeng Phet Province, western Thailand. It appears to live nowhere else.
