'Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon' Newest Species Discovered And Named After 'Luke Skywalker'

Scientists recently discovered a new species and named it after a Star Wars character. This new species is named "Skywalker hoolock gibbon."

According to a report, the scientists named the new species "Skywalker" since the Chinese characters of its scientific name translates to 'heaven's movement.' The species has been discovered in eastern Myanmar and southwestern China.

The hoolock gibbon is 32 inches tall and does not have a tail. The weight of the gibbons differs, a female weighs 13 pounds and a male weighs 15 pounds. This is according to the Wisconsin Primate Research Library.

Additionally, the "Skywalker Hoolock Gibbons" have white eyebrows, white beard and unusual calls. These species are only 200 in population and they are considered endangered. Another reason why the new species has been named after "Skywalker" is because the scientist who discovered it. This news about the new species getting the name of a Star Wars character has been greeted by Mark Hamill. He plays Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.

Hamill posted a message on his Twitter account acknowledging the discovery of this new species. Meanwhile, there are already hoolock gibbons found in the mountain forests. These are the western and eastern hoolocks.

This new discovery is the third kind of hoolock gibbon. This third and new species of hoolock gibbon has the scientific name Hoolock Tianxing. This then led the scientists to name it Skywalker hoolock gibbon since Tianxing means 'heaven's movement' or 'skywalker.'

Also, the name skywalker refers to the movement of this type of hoolock gibbon. It moves rapidly through the canopy of the forest. This species is also considered a mystical being because of the Chinese belief and these species are highly venerated. They are considered to be above other mortal animals.