Scientists Discover New Horned Dragon Lizard Species Acanthosaura syrax in Thailand

Key facts

• A new species of mountain horned dragon lizard, Acanthosaura syrax, has been discovered in Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand.
• The species inhabits cool mountain forests at elevations above 1,000 metres, with most sightings above 1,300 metres.
• Acanthosaura syrax is characterized by its small nuchal and dorsal scales, yellowish colouring, and relatively small body size compared to other Acanthosaura species.
• Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the ND2 and COI genes confirmed it as a distinct species, separate from the previously known Acanthosaura lepidogaster.
• The species name is inspired by Syrax, the dragon from the television series House of the Dragon, due to its yellowish colouring and relatively large clutch sizes of 6 to 16 eggs.
• The discovery brings the total number of recognised Acanthosaura species to 23.