In a remarkable tribute to Hollywood star and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, scientists have named a newly identified snake species after him.
The Anguiculus DiCaprio, a striking copper-colored serpent with distinctive large nostrils, a short head, “dozens of teeth,” and a prominent domed snout, was recently detailed in a study published by Nature.
This unique snake, which can grow up to 22 inches, was discovered by a team of researchers from Germany, the UK, and India. The discovery came as part of a 2020 field study that aimed to document lesser-known Himalayan reptile species. Researchers found these elusive creatures basking on mud roads in Himachal Pradesh, India, where they remained motionless and showed no aggression when approached.
Research spanning three years confirms rare discovery
Researchers, including scientists Zeeshan A. Mirza and Virender Bhardwaj, conducted DNA analysis over three years, confirming that the species resides in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India, as well as neighboring Nepal. The Anguiculus DiCaprio is thought to inhabit elevations up to 1,800 meters above sea level and is primarily active from late spring to late summer. Bhardwaj first observed the species in his backyard during the COVID-19 lockdown—a serendipitous discovery that launched an extensive investigation. The team’s findings were further validated by the work of researchers Patrick D. Campbell, Saunak Pal, Harshil Patil, and Gernot Vogel.
DiCaprio’s global impact on conservation efforts
Researchers named the new species in honor of DiCaprio, highlighting his “active involvement in creating awareness about global climate change (and) increased biodiversity loss.”
DiCaprio, who has funded numerous field conservation projects, founded his namesake foundation in 1998 at age 24, inspired by nature documentaries he watched as a child. Since its inception, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has supported over 200 conservation projects in more than 50 countries, aiding in the protection of endangered species, ecosystem restoration, clean water access, and renewable energy initiatives.
DiCaprio was recently featured on The Independent’s Climate 100 List, which recognizes global leaders across fields—from activists to business innovators—who are making significant contributions to the fight against climate change.
Previous honor in Panama highlights DiCaprio’s conservation legacy
This is not the first species to bear DiCaprio’s name. In 2023, he was given the honor of naming another new snake species discovered in Panama. The Simon irmelindicaprioae, a snail-eating snake named after DiCaprio’s mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, reflects his deep-rooted commitment to environmental causes—a commitment he credits to her support throughout his career. With the Anguiculus DiCaprio, DiCaprio’s name now graces yet another emblem of biodiversity, celebrating his enduring impact on global conservation efforts.