Tachymenoides harrisonfordi

Researchers from Germany, the United States and Peru have named a recently discovered species of snake ‘Tachymenoides harrisonfordi’ after actor Harrison Ford.

• Known for his portrayal of Indiana Jones, who famously fears snakes, Ford’s real-life commitment to conservation earned him this distinction.

About the species:

• The snake was found in Peru’s Otishi National Park by researchers from Peru and the United States.
• Measuring about 16 inches when fully grown, the non-harmful Tachymenoides harrisonfordi serves as a reminder of the importance of studying and preserving Earth’s diverse biosphere.
• The discovery sheds light on the plight of reptiles, as over a fifth of all reptile species are currently threatened with extinction.

Kashmir stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu)

After two years, the unique Kashmir stag, vernacularly known as Hangul, has again shown a marginal increase in its population.

About

• The Kashmir stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu), also called hangul, is a subspecies of Central Asian red deer endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas.
• It is the state animal of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is found in dense riverine forests in the high valleys and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.
• Hangul Cervus hanglu is the only red deer species in India.
• Hangul is a critically-endangered species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List.
• It is listed as a Schedule I Species in Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• The species is under threat based on the vulnerability of population with regard to viability and structure, dwindling population, and habitat vulnerability.