A new lizard species has been named after a beloved figure from HBO's House of the Dragon
The species' yellow color, small size, and high reproductive output inspired its name and connection to the show
Researchers hope the discovery will promote conservation efforts in the lizard's fragmented high-altitude forest habitat
A new species of lizard is paying homage to House of the Dragon.
A study, published on July 31 in the journal ZooKeys, detailed the discovery of a new lizard in western Thailand. Classified as part of the lizard group known as mountain horned dragons, the new species was given a moniker that honors a well-known figure from HBO's House of the Dragon.
Acanthosaura syrax is "named in reference to the dragon 'Syrax,' the mount of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen" in the prequel series to Game of Thrones, the study states.
In the show, Syrax is a mustard-colored dragon who is considered small next to her massive counterparts, and is a mother to many of the younger dragons featured on the show. Syrax's unwavering loyalty to her rider (one of the show's protagonists) has helped her become a fan favorite.
"This name is inspired by the species' distinctive yellow-hued coloration, its relatively diminutive size compared to its congeners, and its significant reproductive output, reflected in its high clutch size," the study reads.
The study suggests that A. syrax be commonly called "Syrax mountain horned dragon" in English and "King Ka Khaow Naam Lek Syrax" (กิ้งก่าเขาหนามเล็กไซแรกซ์) in Thai.
Mountain horned dragons are distinguished by their spiny crests along their necks and backs, according to Popular Science. With the discovery of A. syrax, the number of known Acanthosaura species has climbed to 23.
A. syrax has only been found in the high-altitude forests of Mae Wong, and because the habitat is fragmented due to the tough terrain, the team behind the study is advocating for more protections for the area. The team hopes A. syrax will become a flagship species for the region, garnering both scientific and public interest and, thus, support for the region's conservation.
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"Future studies should continue to explore neighboring mountain ranges to determine the full extent of this species' distribution and identify further cryptic diversity that likely remains hidden within the northern and western highlands," the study reads.
The naming of A. syrax came right before the third season of House of the Dragon ended on Aug. 9, with Syrax's rider Rhaenyra slowly losing her grip on her tenuous reign as political tensions erupted. The series, which debuted in 2022, follows the Westeros royal family, their dragons and the conflict that severely weakened their line, hundreds of years before the events of Game of Thrones.
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