Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov., a new species of mountain horned dragon from high-elevation habitats of western Thailand (Squamata, Agamidae)
Poramad Trivalairat, Krittiya Trivalairat, Nawee Moungkhaek, Simon Caponov, Benchapol Lorsunyaluck
“Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. Discovering a New Mountain Horned Dragon from High-Elevation Habitats of Western Thailand
– New Species Discovery: Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. is described as a brand-new species of mountain horned dragon found in the high-elevation evergreen forests of Mae Wong National Park, western Thailand.
– Distinct Morphological Features: The species is easily distinguished from all other known members of its genus by its noticeably smaller body size and the smallest nuchal (neck) and dorsal (back) scales recorded within Acanthosaura.
– Strong DNA Evidence: Molecular analyses using mitochondrial ND2 and COI genes confirm A. syrax as a distinct, reciprocal monophyletic lineage. Interspecific genetic distances reach 14.1–15.9% (ND2) and 14.96–28.13% (COI) compared to related species, while maintaining almost no internal genetic variation (0–0.34%).
– Conservation & Ecological Value: This discovery increases the total count of recognized Acanthosaura species to 23 and highlights the exceptional, untapped biodiversity hidden within Thailand’s high-altitude ecosystems.”




