- Actor Harrison Ford is regarded as an American icon and has starred in numerous blockbuster movies, including Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Arc and Blade Runner
- A recent discovery of a new species of snake Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, in Peru saw scientists name it after Ford
- In response to the naming of the reptile after him, the actor said it was humbling and noted there is more to learn about our wild world
Actor Harrison Ford has a snake species named after him.
Harrison Ford honoured
The new snake species found in the Peruvian Andes was named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi in honour of Ford’s environmental work.
Hollywood Reporter reported that researchers chose to honour Ford, the vice chair of Conservation International for his dedication to conservation of nature and biodiversity.
Ford also inspired the name of an ant (Pheidole harrisonfordi) and a spider (Calponia harrisonfordi).
The Hollywood star noted that he was humbled for inspiring the naming of the snake.
He said:
“These scientists keep naming critters after me, but it’s always the ones that terrify children. I don’t understand. I spend my free time cross-stitching. I sing lullabies to my basil plants, so they won’t fear the night.”
Adding:
“In all seriousness, this discovery is humbling. It’s a reminder that there’s still so much to learn about our wild world and that humans are one small part of an impossibly vast biosphere.”
Snake found was male
This snake is 16 inches long and has pale yellow-brown skin with black spots, a black belly, and a copper-coloured eye with a vertical stripe.
Researchers only found one male snake of this species in May 2022 while it was basking in the sun.
They described the snake and its name in a scientific journal Salamandra.
Harrison Ford accepted snake’s name
Professor of biology at Illinois Wesleyan University, Edgar Lehr, said the team is honoured Ford accepted the snake to be named after him.
“For a biologist, describing a new species and making it public with its new name is one of the most vital activities during the biodiversity crisis,” Lehr said.
Indiana Jones 2023 new movie
Ford’s new movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny from the Indiana Jones franchise topped the North American box office.
Analysts pointed out that the movie’s opening was disappointing for such a popular franchise.
Ford featured as the archaeologist he first portrayed more than four decades ago.
According to Forbes, Ford returns as the legendary Indiana Jones in the latest adventure of the iconic series, which hit the big screen on June 30.
The film was directed by James Mangold and marks the first time that Steven Spielberg has not helmed an Indiana Jones movie.
