The Flying Lizard, scientifically known as Draco volans, is an extraordinary reptile found predominantly in the forests of Southeast Asia, including the lush landscapes of Borneo Island. This agile lizard is famed for its unique ability to glide, thanks to its wing-like flaps of skin that extend along its ribs. These flaps are usually held close to the lizard's body but can be unfurled when needed, allowing it to leap from tree to tree effortlessly. Measuring about 20 to 25 centimeters in length, including its tail, the Flying Lizard is not a large creature but is certainly a marvel of natural engineering. Its coloration typically includes a mix of brown, gray, and green hues, assisting it greatly in camouflaging with its forest surroundings.
Borneo Island offers the perfect habitat for Draco volans. This lush, tropical environment is characterized by dense forests teeming with biodiversity. Borneo's rainforests provide the essential ecosystem these lizards need, including abundant tree cover and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Flying Lizards are arboreal by nature, meaning they spend most of their lives in the trees. These lizards prefer primary forests but can also be found in secondary forests as long as there is ample tree cover. They are typically found from lowland regions up to elevations of about 1,000 meters. With the conservation of Borneo's forests, the Flying Lizard continues to thrive in its natural habitat, although deforestation poses a constant threat to their living spaces.
In the wilds of Borneo, Draco volans faces a range of predators. Birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, are significant threats, given their keen eyesight and hunting prowess. Snakes, both arboreal and terrestrial, also pose a danger, as they can maneuver through the trees with ease. Additionally, larger arboreal mammals like civets and primates are known to prey on these small lizards. The Flying Lizard’s primary defense against predators is its ability to glide quickly from one tree to another, avoiding capture. Its camouflaging coloration also helps it to blend in with the surrounding foliage, making it harder for predators to spot it.
Draco volans has a diet that mainly consists of small insects, which are abundant in Borneo's forests. Ants and termites form the bulk of its diet, but it will also consume other small invertebrates such as spiders and caterpillars. The Flying Lizard employs a sit and wait strategy, remaining still and camouflaged against the bark of trees or other plants until an unsuspecting insect comes within reach. Then, in a quick motion, it catches its prey with its sticky tongue. This diet provides the necessary nutrients that support its active lifestyle, including the high energy demands of gliding between trees.