Scientists Discover New Snake Species, Name it After Harrison Ford

entific discovery. “If we don’t know what is there, we cannot protect it.”

The discovery of Tachymenoides harrisonfordi highlights the importance of scientific exploration and the challenges that researchers face in their quest to uncover new species and understand the biodiversity of our planet. It also sheds light on the dangers posed by illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, that can hinder scientific progress and put researchers at risk.

Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, in partnership with CNN, aims to address these environmental challenges and promote sustainability. By supporting initiatives like the Call to Earth editorial series, Rolex and CNN are working together to raise awareness and inspire positive action to protect our planet.

The story of the researchers’ harrowing journey in Peru serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect and conserve our natural habitats. The presence of narco-traffickers in remote areas not only poses a threat to human lives but also hinders scientific exploration and the discovery of new species.

Dr. Edgar Lehr and his team’s encounter with suspected drug traffickers highlights the risks that scientists face in their pursuit of knowledge. Despite the dangers, Lehr and his colleagues were able to make important discoveries, including the identification of a new snake species and the documentation of previously unknown waterfalls and lizard species.

Naming the snake species after Harrison Ford not only adds a touch of humor to the scientific discovery but also raises awareness about the importance of conservation. Ford, known for his iconic role as Indiana Jones, is a dedicated conservationist and his involvement in environmental organizations like Conservation International further emphasizes the need to protect our planet.

The incident in Peru also underscores the need for international cooperation in combating illegal activities that threaten biodiversity and scientific research. The Peruvian government, along with the United States and other countries, has been working to fight drug trafficking in the VRAEM region. However, the encounter with suspected drug traffickers in Otishi National Park highlights the ongoing challenges faced by researchers in these remote and dangerous areas.

The discovery of Tachymenoides harrisonfordi serves as a reminder of the vast biodiversity that remains unknown and undocumented. It highlights the importance of scientific research and the need for funding to support further exploration and conservation efforts. By naming new species after celebrities, scientists like Dr. Edgar Lehr hope to capture the public’s attention and generate support for scientific research and conservation initiatives.

The Perpetual Planet initiative by Rolex and CNN aims to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues. Through initiatives like the Call to Earth editorial series, they are working to inspire positive action and promote the protection of our planet. The story of Dr. Edgar Lehr and his team’s perilous journey in Peru serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by scientists and the importance of their work in understanding and preserving our natural world.CNN’s Call to Earth editorial series, in partnership with Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, has brought attention to the environmental challenges facing our planet and the solutions needed to address them. In a recent expedition to South America, a team of researchers faced danger and uncertainty as they navigated treacherous terrain and encountered suspected drug traffickers in one of the world’s most dangerous and scientifically unexplored areas.

Despite the risks, the team made an exciting discovery during their journey – a new species of snake. In a lighthearted moment, the researchers decided to name the snake after action icon Harrison Ford, known for his role as Indiana Jones, who famously despises snakes. The snake, scientifically named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, was described in a scientific paper published in the German journal Salamandra.

The lead scientist, Dr. Edgar Lehr, a professor of biology at Illinois Wesleyan University, has dedicated his career to exploring the rich biodiversity of Peru and has identified over 100 species new to science. However, the expedition to Otishi National Park in Peru’s Junín and Cusco regions proved to be particularly challenging due to its dangerous location near the center of Peru’s coca production and narco-trafficking.

The researchers faced unexpected danger from fellow humans, encountering abandoned camps, overhearing conversations, and even being spied on by a drone. Realizing the imminent threat, the team requested a rescue pickup, which took four days to arrive due to storms. Despite the harrowing experience, the researchers were grateful for the discoveries they made, including the previously unmapped waterfall and an unknown lizard species.

Upon returning to his lab, Dr. Lehr confirmed the new snake species using genetic sequencing. Tachymenoides harrisonfordi is believed to inhabit wetlands in high elevations across southern Peru. The decision to name the snake after Harrison Ford was not only a playful reference to Indiana Jones but also a recognition of Ford’s dedication to conservation as the vice chair of Conservation International’s board of directors.

Naming new species after celebrities like Harrison Ford raises awareness among the general public about the vast number of undiscovered plants and animals worldwide. Dr. Lehr hopes that this recognition will inspire funding for scientific research, emphasizing the importance of documenting and protecting unknown species.

In a statement to the nonprofit Conservation International, Harrison Ford expressed his excitement about the discovery and the need to protect our planet’s biodiversity. He emphasized the interconnectedness of all species and the urgent need to mend our broken relationship with nature.

The expedition to Otishi National Park serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by scientists in exploring and protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Through initiatives like Call to Earth and Perpetual Planet, CNN and Rolex aim to drive awareness, education, and positive action towards sustainability and environmental conservation.

What role does international cooperation play in combatting illegal activities that pose a threat to biodiversity and scientific research in regions like the VRAEM

R the VRAEM (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) region, an area known for drug trafficking and illicit activities.

During their journey, Lehr and his team encountered suspected drug traffickers who threatened their safety and hindered their scientific exploration. This highlights the dangers faced by researchers working in remote and hazardous areas, where illegal activities can pose a threat not only to human lives but also to scientific progress and the discovery of new species.

Despite the risks, Lehr and his colleagues were able to make important discoveries during their expedition. In addition to the new snake species, they also documented previously unknown waterfalls and lizard species. These findings shed light on the vast biodiversity that remains unknown and undocumented, emphasizing the need for further scientific research and conservation efforts.

Naming the snake species after Harrison Ford adds a touch of humor to the scientific discovery but also raises awareness about the importance of conservation. Ford, known for his iconic role as Indiana Jones, is a dedicated conservationist and his involvement in environmental organizations further emphasizes the need to protect our planet.

The incident in Peru also highlights the need for international cooperation in combating illegal activities that threaten biodiversity and scientific research. The Peruvian government, along with the United States and other countries, has been working to fight drug trafficking in the VRAEM region. However, the encounter with suspected drug traffickers in Otishi National Park highlights the ongoing challenges faced by researchers in these remote and dangerous areas.

The Perpetual Planet initiative by Rolex and CNN aims to address these environmental challenges and promote sustainability. Through initiatives like the Call to Earth editorial series, they are working to raise awareness and inspire positive action to protect our planet. The story of Dr. Edgar Lehr and his team’s perilous journey serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by scientists and the importance of their work in understanding and preserving our natural world.

In conclusion, the discovery of Tachymenoides harrisonfordi highlights the significance of scientific exploration and the obstacles researchers face in uncovering new species and understanding biodiversity. It also sheds light on the dangers of illegal activities that can hinder scientific progress and put researchers at risk. The incident in Peru underscores the need for international cooperation in combating these threats and protecting our planet. The Perpetual Planet initiative by Rolex and CNN strives to address these challenges and promote sustainability. By supporting scientific research and conservation efforts, we can work towards a better future for our planet and its diverse ecosystems.