Words by Tess Becker
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore
The actor known for playing Han Solo and Indiana Jones recently had the honor of a snake being named after him.
The snake, named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, lives high in the Andes Mountains and is harmless to humans and mostly lives off of frogs and lizards. The journey to find the animal was treacherous according to the researchers, where they even faced a run-in with drug traffickers.
“Wouldn’t this be cool to dedicate this new species to Harrison Ford? And also funny because of the hate his character ‘Indiana Jones’ (has for snakes)?” said Dr. Edgar Lehr, the lead author of a scientific paper describing the snake species.
The Otishi National Park, where the snake is located, is within Peru’s Junín and Cusco regions, both of which are currently deemed unsafe for travelers by the US Department of State.
Despite the dangers, the research team was able to make out with information about the previously unknown species.
Ford is a devoted conservationist and serves as vice chair of the nonprofit Conservation International’s board of directors.
“This is very important (work), because we can only protect what is known,” Lehr said of documenting species new to scientists.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
