Draco -Flying lizards

These lizards, often called “flying dragons,” live in the forests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. While they can’t truly fly like birds or bats, they can glide impressive distances between trees, which helps them find food, escape predators, and explore their environment.

One of the most distinctive features of Draco lizards is the set of wing-like flaps of skin on the sides of their bodies. These flaps are called “patagia,” and they are supported by elongated ribs that extend outward from the lizard’s body. When the lizard wants to glide, it spreads its ribs, stretching out the patagia to create a wing-like surface. This allows the lizard to glide from tree to tree, often covering distances of up to 10 meters or more. The gliding ability of Draco lizards is a remarkable adaptation to life in the treetops, where they spend most of their time.

In addition to their wings, Draco lizards have another unique feature: a large, colorful flap of skin under their throats, known as a “dewlap.” Males use this dewlap to communicate with other lizards, especially during the breeding season. By extending and retracting the dewlap, a male can signal to other males to stay away from his territory or to attract females. The color and size of the dewlap can vary between different species of Draco, making it an important tool for species recognition and communication.

The Draco lizard’s gliding ability has inspired many stories and legends in the regions where they live. Some local cultures view them as magical creatures capable of flying through the forest with ease. While their gliding might seem magical, it’s actually a highly specialized adaptation that helps them survive in their unique environment.