New species of snake found in Peru named after Harrison Ford

The 40cm reptile has been given the scientific name Tachymenoides harrisonfordi.

Tachymenoides harrisonfordi was found at the Otishi National Park in Peru in May last year. Picture: Edgar Lehr via AFP

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 40cm reptile was 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.

The 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, Dr Lehr said. He said Ford agreed to have his name via Conservation International.

He said the snake was discovered in an area that is only accessible by helicopter. “It took us seven days to find it,” he said.

The snake is harmless to adult humans but it is good at hunting toads and lizards.

AFP