LIMA: Scientists working in Peru have named a new species of snake after Harrison Ford in honour of the Indiana Jones actor’s support for conservation work.

The 40 cm (16 inch) reptile was first discovered in May 2022 in the jungle mountains of Otishi National Park, San Marcos National University said on Wednesday.

But it was not until now that researchers concluded it was indeed a previously unknown species.

This creature is a yellowish-brown colour, with black spots, a black belly and copper eyes. It has been given the scientific name Tachymenoides harrisonfordi.

The snake was first found by a team led by Edgar Lehr, a US-German biologist.

It is now named after Ford because he is active in environmental issues, Lehr said from the state of Illinois.

“I found out that Harrison Ford agreed to have his name used via a consultation that Conservation International made”, he added, referring to an NGO.

He said the snake was discovered in an area that is only accessible by helicopter.

“It took us seven days to find it,” said Lehr. The snake is harmless to adult humans but it is good at hunting toads and lizards, he added.

Lehr led a team of researchers from San Marcos National University, Florida International University and Illinois Wesleyan University.

Salamandra, the German Journal of Herpetology, published on Tuesday a study on the discovery of the snake.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2023