Scientists discover a real-life “dragon” and name it after Syrax

Scientists have identified a new species of lizard living in the high mountain forests of western Thailand. The species, Acanthosaura syrax , takes its name from Syrax, the dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon .

Acanthosaura syrax belongs to a group of agamid lizards known as mountain horned dragons, which are distinguished by the spiny crests that extend along the neck and back.

Researchers found the species in an evergreen forest within Mae Wong National Park, in Tak-Kamphaeng Phet Province, at elevations above 1,300 meters. So far, it has not been found anywhere else. Its discovery increases the number of recognized species in the genus Acanthosaura to 23.

The research was led by Poramad Trivalairat and colleagues from Chulabhorn Royal Academy and Kasetsart University. The team intentionally chose the name Syrax because several traits of the fictional dragon are reflected in the newly described lizard.