Photo: Trivalairat et al., 2026
Scientists have discovered a new species of tiny lizard high in the mountain forests of western Thailand, with features that resemble a mythical dragon, SciTechDaily reports.
The researchers named the new mountain horned dragon Acanthosaura syrax, after Syrax, the yellow dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series House of the Dragon. The name reflects several similarities between the real lizard and its fictional namesake, including its yellowish-green coloration, relatively small size and high reproductive output.
This reproductive trait is particularly notable. Four of the five females examined by the researchers were carrying eggs, with clutches ranging from six to 16 eggs.
Mountain horned dragons belong to the agamid family, which also includes bearded dragons. Members of the Acanthosaura genus are found across parts of Southeast Asia and are distinguished by pointed scales and ridges along their heads, necks and backs. With the discovery of A. syrax, the number of recognized species in the genus has risen to 23.
The new species is exceptionally small. The largest male examined measured just 69.6 millimeters, while the largest female reached 101.2 millimeters, making females considerably larger than males.
Its horns are also relatively small. Researchers found that A. syrax has the smallest neck and back scales documented anywhere in the genus. The species also has a distinctive dark collar around its neck and lacks the black patch around the eye seen in several of its relatives.
A species restricted to mountain forests
So far, Syrax mountain horned dragons have only been found in Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand, in the Tak–Kamphaeng Phet area.
Researchers observed the lizards at elevations above 1,300 meters, but did not find them below 1,000 meters. This narrow elevation range may explain why the species remained undiscovered until now.
Around 50 kilometers farther north, the team found the related A. lepidogaster living in lower and warmer areas, supporting the idea that A. syrax is closely adapted to cooler mountain environments.
Scientists are concerned about the species’ limited habitat. If A. syrax depends on a narrow band of cool high-altitude forest, habitat loss or further fragmentation could leave its already scattered populations even more isolated.
Earlier, researchers in Peru’s Amazon rainforest discovered a new species of miniature marsupial frog that carries its offspring in a natural pouch on its back.
