“Snakes…why’d it should be snakes?” That’s what the principle character Indiana Jones of Raiders of the Lost Ark (and anybody with ophidiophobia) uttered when encountering a snake.
While Dr Jones is not a fan of this slippery reptile, is it true that there’s a snake named after the actor who performed this fictional character?
Verdict:
TRUE
Yes, scientists working in Peru have named a brand new species of snake after Ford in honour of the actor’s assist for conservation work.
The snake has been given the scientific identify Tachymenoides harrisonfordi. (You see what the scientists did there?) 
Tachymenoides harrisonfordi was found within the jungle mountains of Otishi National Park in Peru in 2022. – AFP PHOTO
The 40cm reptile was first found in May 2022 within the jungle mountains of Otishi National Park in Peru. It is yellowish-brown in color, with black spots, and has a black stomach with copper-coloured eyes.
US-German biologist Edgar Lehr, who was a part of the staff that found the snake, mentioned the creature was named after Ford as a result of he’s energetic in environmental points.
“I came upon that Harrison Ford agreed to have his identify used by way of a session that Conservation International (an NGO) made”, he was reported saying.
Lehr added that the snake was found in an space that’s solely accessible by helicopter.
Meanwhile, Ford was quoted saying that, “These scientists preserve naming critters after me, however it’s at all times those that terrify kids.”
He additionally advised EW, “In all seriousness, this discovery is humbling. It’s a reminder that there is nonetheless a lot to find out about our wild world — and that people are one small a part of an impossibly huge biosphere.
“On this planet, all fates are intertwined, and proper now, a million species are teetering on the sting of oblivion. We have an existential mandate to fix our damaged relationship with nature and shield the locations that maintain life.”
Perhaps this bit of data might not remedy the worry or hate some have for snakes, however not less than you’ve got realized one thing as we speak.
And this is one thing else you may be taught – if you happen to ever encounter a snake in your home, learn this (https://www.thestar.com.my/information/nation/2023/05/22/dont-act-wait-for-snake-catchers)
Fire and Rescue Department had acquired 13,895 misery calls from the general public searching for assist to take away snakes and different wildlife from their premises within the first 4 months of 2023.
The determine reveals an rising pattern, in comparison with 12,013 calls acquired in the identical interval final yr.
References:
1. https://www.thestar.com.my/way of life/leisure/2023/08/23/new-species-of-snake-found-in-peru-named-after-harrison-ford
2. https://ew.com/motion pictures/new-snake-species-named-after-harrison-ford/
3. https://www.thestar.com.my/information/nation/2023/05/22/dont-act-wait-for-snake-catchers
