DRACO (FLYING LIZARD)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Draco (Flying Lizard)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Draco, commonly known as “flying dragons,” is a genus of small, arboreal lizards native to Southeast Asia. These fascinating reptiles are famous for their ability to glide between trees, a behavior made possible by specialized ribs and wing-like flaps of skin called patagia. Draco lizards are typically found in tropical rainforests, where their gliding ability helps them escape predators, forage for food, and find mates without descending to the ground. With their remarkable adaptations and vibrant coloration, Draco species are a marvel of evolutionary ingenuity.

Classification of Draco (Flying Lizard)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Iguania (Lizards. Body slender, limbs 4. Pterygoid in contact with quadrate. Eyelids movable.)
Family :- Agamidae (Limbs normal. Teeth homodont.)
Genus :- Draco

Geographical distribution

Commonly distributed in Myanmar, India, Malayasia, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Habit and habitat

Arboreal, living on trees. It feeds on small insects.

General Characteristics

Commonly known as flying dragon or flying lizard.
Body is dorsoventrally compressed, measuring 15 to 22 cm in length and divided into head, neck,
trunk and tail.
Head is more or less triangular and contains eyes, tympanum behind eyes and nostril. Eyes are small with eyelids. Teeth heterodont and attached to the edges of the jaws.
Tongue is thick and short. Some animals have thoracic sac or dorsal spine.
Neck contains three hooks forming flap like appendages. Below the neck there are sac-like structures known as gular pouches, which are larger in males than females and they help in copulation.
Forelimbs and hind limbs normal.
On both sides of the body wing or patagium formed by extension of skin is present. Patagium is supported by lateral ribs.
Tail long, slender and whip-like.

Ecological Importance

Pollination and Seed Dispersal: While primarily insectivorous, some species consume nectar and fruit, aiding in the pollination of flowering plants and dispersal of seeds.
Insect Population Control: As insectivores, lizards help regulate populations of various insect species, maintaining ecological balance in their forest habitats.
Prey for Larger Predators: Draco lizards are a source of food for birds, snakes, and mammals, forming an essential link in the food web.
Forest Health Indicators: The presence of lizards in a habitat often indicates a healthy and biodiverse forest ecosystem, as they rely on intact forest canopies for survival.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Status: Most species are listed as Least Concern due to their wide distribution and adaptability. However, specific populations may be at risk due to habitat loss.
Threats to Draco:
- Deforestation: Logging, agriculture, and urban expansion in Southeast Asia are leading to the destruction of tropical forests, reducing the available habitat for Draco lizards.
- Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability of suitable habitats for Draco species.
- Hunting and Trade: While not a primary target, Draco lizards are sometimes captured for the exotic pet trade or for traditional uses.
Conservation Efforts:
- Protected Areas: Many Draco habitats are within national parks and wildlife reserves, which provide some level of protection against deforestation.
- Community Awareness: Educating local communities about the ecological importance of forest conservation indirectly benefits Draco species.
- Research and Monitoring: Ongoing studies on Draco populations, behavior, and habitat needs are essential for understanding their ecological roles and informing conservation strategies.

Special features

Draco shows extreme adaptation for flying life and thus avoids its enemies on the ground. Most significant structures are membranous wings or patagia, which to volplane from a height. Flying lizard is adapted for climbing and gliding from higher to lower branches. Draco is brilliantly and beautifully coloured like flowers of trees in which it lives and thus it shows camouflage (mimicry).
Gliding Ability: Draco lizards are equipped with elongated ribs that support patagia—membranous flaps of skin extending from their body. This adaptation allows them to glide distances of up to 10 meters or more between trees.
Brightly Colored Dewlaps: Males have prominent, colorful dewlaps that they use for communication and courtship displays, signaling their presence to rivals and potential mates.
Arboreal Lifestyle: These lizards are almost exclusively tree-dwelling, rarely descending to the forest floor. They are adept climbers, moving efficiently along tree trunks and branches.
Camouflage: This species have coloration and patterns that help them blend into their environment, protecting them from predators.
Unique Morphology: In addition to their gliding structures, Draco lizards have flattened bodies and long tails that aid in steering and stability during glides.