Leonardo DiCaprio now has a frog species named after him. Here’s why

Scientists in Ecuador have named a newly discovered frog species after Hollywood star and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation. The species, Phyllonastes dicaprioi, is one of seven new frog species recently identified by researchers from Ecuador's National Institute of Biodiversity, the Catholic University of Ecuador, and the San Francisco University of Quito (USFQ).

The discovery was made in the Western Mountain Forest of Ecuador's El Oro province, where the frog inhabits high-altitude regions between 1,330 and 1,705 meters above sea level. Phyllonastes dicaprioi is small in size, brown in color, and features darker markings on its body. The research team emphasized the need to protect the species’ natural habitat, with USFQ stating, “This study highlights the importance of protecting the unique habitats where these species live.”

Leonardo DiCaprio has long been an advocate for environmental preservation. In 1998, he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which focuses on global environmental issues, including wildlife conservation and climate change. One of his notable efforts included supporting the shutdown of a controversial oil drilling project in Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park. His commitment to conservation played a key role in the decision to name the newly identified frog species in his honor.

Not the First Species Named After DiCaprio

This is not the first time a newly discovered species has been named after the Oscar-winning actor. In October 2023, scientists identified a snake species in the Himalayas and named it Anguiculus dicaprioi. The species, found in areas between central Nepal and Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, was first spotted by researcher Virender Bhardwaj in his backyard during the COVID-19 lockdown. His findings, shared on social media, led to a three-year scientific investigation that confirmed the snake as a previously unidentified species.

Other Celebrities Honored in Scientific Nomenclature

Leonardo DiCaprio joins a growing list of celebrities who have had species named in their honor. Before him, scientists named a newly discovered snake species Tachymenoides harrisonfordi after actor Harrison Ford, famous for his role as Indiana Jones. Additionally, in 2017, zoologist Dr. Sammy de Grave, a devoted fan of the rock band Pink Floyd, named a species of pistol shrimp Synalpheus pinkfloydi after the legendary music group.

The discovery of Phyllonastes dicaprioi highlights the ongoing efforts of researchers to identify and conserve biodiversity in fragile ecosystems. With environmental threats on the rise, such scientific advancements reinforce the need to protect endangered species and their habitats.