Harrison Ford Gets Terrifying New Species Named After Him
Harrison Ford has had his name immortalized (again) after researchers named a newly discovered species of snake found in Peru’s Andes Mountains after him. Known as the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, the species is described as slender and measures 16 inches in length. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the reptile is pale yellowish-brown in color with scattered black blotches and a black underside.
A vertical streak runs over its copper-colored eye, enhancing its ability to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The discovery of the Harrison Ford-dubbed snake species was the result of a collaborative effort between researchers from Peru and the United States. Remarkably, only a single male snake was found during the exploration in May 2022.
“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.”
–Harrison Ford
This snake was observed basking in the sun in a swamp in Otishi National Park. Information regarding the species and its new name were published in Salamandra, a reputable scientific journal. According to the researchers, they chose Harrison Ford as the snake’s namesake in recognition of his dedication to environmental causes.
Ford currently serves as Vice Chair of Conservation International, an organization that engages in various environmentally-conscious initiatives. “These scientists keep naming critters after me, but it’s always the ones that terrify children,” Harrison Ford said of the snake’s new title. “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.”
“On this planet, all fates are intertwined, and right now, one million species are teetering on the edge of oblivion. We have an existential mandate to mend our broken relationship with nature and protect the places that sustain life.”
–Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford previously inspired the name of an ant (Pheidole harrisonfordi) and a spider (Calponia harrisonfordi) long before the snake. “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,” the actor continued.
“On this planet, all fates are intertwined, and right now, one million species are teetering on the edge of oblivion. We have an existential mandate to mend our broken relationship with nature and protect the places that sustain life,” Harrison Ford continued after acknowledging the snake that was named after him.
In 2022, experts from Conservation International released a study revealing that approximately one-fifth of the world’s reptile species are currently facing the risk of extinction. Neil Cox, the manager of the Conservation International-IUCN biodiversity assessment unit and the author of the 2022 Global Reptile Assessment, pointed out that reptile conservation often goes unnoticed.
While creatures like the Harrison Ford snakes might not evoke the same level of appeal as adorable panda cubs, their significance within global ecosystems is equally vital. This new discovery contributes to humanity’s understanding of how snake species thrive in the world. Cox expressed his hope that the playful name given to the newly discovered snake will help focus attention on global reptile extinction.
Professor of Biology at Illinois Wesleyan University, Edgar Lehr, said his team was honored that Harrison Ford was happy with the snake’s name. “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 explained. “We hope the new snake will create awareness about the importance of biological fieldwork.”
Harrison Ford And Snakes
Harrison Ford became synonymous with snakes after Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1981. The movie, directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan, sees the globetrotting archaeologist attempting to recover the magical long-lost Ark of the Covenant before the Nazi German forces.
Harrison Ford famously said, “Snakes… Why’d it have to be snakes?” during an intense scene in the Well of Souls which was covered by countless slithering reptiles. At the time, the actor couldn’t possibly have dreamed that it would lead to a species of snake being named after him, but here we are.
On August 29, 2023, Harrison Ford’s latest offering, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, will be available on digital platforms. And for the Indy enthusiasts, there’s a wealth of bonus content included, ensuring hours of entertainment.
