Scientists have described a new lizard species, Acanthosaura syrax, found in the high-altitude forests of Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand. The tiny dragon-like reptile lives above 1,300 meters and reaches just 69.6mm (males) to 101.2mm (females) in body length, with the smallest neck and back crest scales recorded anywhere in its genus.
Researchers named the species after Syrax, the yellow dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, citing its yellowish-green coloring, small size, and high egg production — four of five examined females carried eggs, with clutches of six to 16. The discovery was published July 31, 2026, in the journal ZooKeys by Trivalairat, Caponov, Lorsunyaluck and colleagues.
The lizard's narrow elevational range makes it vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. Researchers are proposing it as a flagship species to help protect Mae Wong's mountain forests, which are also home to endangered Asian forest tortoises and Indochinese tigers.