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Toothy New Species Named After Leonardo DiCaprio
A newly discovered species has been named in honor of Leonardo DiCaprio, The Miami Herald reported, citing an “ongoing study” published in the journal Nature on Oct. 21.
Scientists who discovered a novel species of copper-hued snakes that sports dozens of teeth have named the critter after DiCaprio to honor the actor’s work with environmental conservation efforts. In a statement, researchers said DiCaprio “has been actively involved in creating awareness about global climate change (and) increased biodiversity loss.”
The DNA of DiCaprio's Himalayan snake, or Anguiculus dicaprioi, was analyzed by researchers who found that, while it had genes similar to existing animals, this was an entirely new species. DiCaprio’s Himalayan snakes are defined by their numerous teeth in addition to “large nostrils,” “short heads,” and “steeply domed snout.” Experts believe the snakes can survive elevations of as much as 6,100 feet.
The species was initially found by scientists in 2020, “basking” on sodden, muddy mountain roads. When approached, the creature "remained motionless until caught and made no attempts to bite." So far, Anguiculus dicaprioi has only been located in Nepal and India’s Himachal Pradesh region.
A new genus and species of snake from the Himalayas, Anguiculus dicaprioinamed after @LeoDiCaprio https://t.co/vRjx1ljrN3#newspecies #herpetology #nhm #rewild #leonardo #dicaprio #HimachalPradesh #Himalayas #Liopeltis pic.twitter.com/KpP6DxQQBE
— Zeeshan A. Mirza (@snakeszeeshan) October 21, 2024
"At a young age, I was very saddened by species that had become extinct by the result of man-made activity, and so that led me on a long sort of journey to get me involved in environmental issues," DiCaprio told People in 2016. The Killers of the Flower Moon star recalled how former Vice President Al Gore was the one who turned him on to the urgent issues affecting the ecosystem.
"He sat me down, drew a picture of the planet, drew our atmosphere, and said, 'This Is the most important crisis facing humanity,'” the actor recalled, “and from that point on, I really become not only fascinated with the issue but really concerned why we as a collective world community haven't done enough about it.”