Actor Harrison Ford Honored with New Snake Species Named After Him

Harrison Ford, the iconic actor known for his role as Indiana Jones, now has a snake named after him. A newly discovered species of snake in Peru has been named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi in honor of Ford’s environmental advocacy. Ford, who serves as the vice chair of non-profit group Conservation International, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, calling it “humbling.”

This is not the first time that Ford has had a creature named after him. He also has an ant and a spider named after him. However, Ford jokingly remarked that scientists always seem to name creatures after him that terrify children. He shared that he spends his free time cross-stitching and singing lullabies to his basil plants to help them overcome their fear of the night.

Unlike his character Indiana Jones, who famously fears snakes, Ford has repeatedly stated that he actually likes snakes and feels a connection with them. He described the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi as having eyes that one can drown in and spending most of its day sunning itself by a pool of dirty water. Ford humorously commented that he and the snake would have been friends in the early ’60s.

The discovery of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi was a joint collaboration between researchers from Peru and the United States. It was made in Peru’s Otishi National Park, located in the Andes Mountains. The snake is a slender species, measuring about 16 inches (40.6 cm) when fully grown. It is not harmful to humans.

Lead scientist Edgar Lehr emphasized the importance of naming and describing new species during the current biodiversity crisis. He stated that only known organisms can be protected. Lehr hopes that the discovery of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi will draw attention to the extinction crisis facing species worldwide. Reptiles, in particular, are highly vulnerable, with more than a fifth of all reptiles currently under threat, according to a study co-authored by Conservation International researchers.

This is not the first time Ford has had a species named after him. In 1993, a California spider was named Calponia harrisonfordi in his honor. Later, an ant was named Pheidole harrisonfordi after the actor. Ford’s ongoing commitment to environmental advocacy and conservation has made him a fitting namesake for these unique creatures.

As Ford reflects on the naming of yet another creature after him, he sees it as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of the natural world. He believes that there is still much to learn about our wild world and that humans are just a small part of an impossibly vast biosphere.

The naming of the Tachymenoides harrisonfordi serves as a tribute to Harrison Ford’s dedication to environmental causes and his efforts to protect and preserve the planet’s biodiversity.

How has Harrison Ford used his platform and resources to support environmental causes, particularly in the realm of wildlife conservation?

E is a vocal advocate for wildlife conservation and has used his platform and resources to support numerous environmental causes.

Ford’s love for snakes stems from his fascination with their elegance and importance in the ecosystem. He believes that snakes are often misunderstood and unfairly portrayed as dangerous creatures. Through his environmental work, Ford aims to educate and raise awareness about the vital role snakes play in maintaining a balanced and healthy environment.

The newly discovered snake species, Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, was named after Ford as a tribute to his dedication to environmental conservation. Ford expressed his gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the importance of protecting and preserving our natural world.

This is not the first time Ford has received such recognition. He already has an ant and a spider named after him. However, Ford humorously mentioned that the creatures named after him always seem to bring fear to children. In a playful manner, he revealed his secret hobbies of cross-stitching and singing lullabies to his basil plants, aiming to help them overcome their fear of the dark.

Ford’s identification with snakes differs significantly from his iconic character Indiana Jones, who famously fears them. This contrast showcases Ford’s genuine appreciation for snakes and his dedication to promoting a positive perception of these creatures.

As vice chair of Conservation International, Ford continues to use his influence to advocate for conservation efforts worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and protecting all species, including those that are often misunderstood. With his continued environmental activism and the recognition of having a snake named after him, Ford’s legacy as a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation is further solidified.