Wild Fact #849 – Puff the Magic Dragon? – Flying Dragon
Since it was -20 degrees in the Yukon today I figured I could use a tropical vacation, so we are all heading to the tropical rain-forest of Southeast Asia. I am sure if we look closely we will see some pretty cool things but if we are really lucky we might catch a glimpse of a Flying Dragon. Of course I am not talking about the kind of dragon that is guarding a Princess in a castle. At least I don’t think they are used as guards!
These flying dragons are just slightly less than 30 cm (12″) in length and are capable of gliding about 30′. Although, these little guys do not breathe fire they do have a set of false ribs covered with a flap of skin. When the lizard expands their ribs these flaps turn into “wings” and allow the reptile to move from tree to tree. Since the flying dragon spend the majority of their lives in the trees it is easy to see the importance of these wings. If you are hoping to catch one of these guys “flying” in the trees then you best pick a nice, calm day since they don’t usually glide in the rain or wind.
Flying lizards are actually a territorial animal and the male of the species will usually claim two or three trees as their Tropical Condo. Interestingly enough the male will allow one to three female lizards to live in each tree. As usual, the male will show off when they spot a female by spreading his wings and doing some “fancy dancing”! For the record, “fancy dancing” is not the scientific term. I think the flying and housing habits of this dragon make it much more interesting than the fire-breathing, Princess guarding, dragons found in fairy tales, such as in Shrek! For some reason I had that red dragon that Donkey marries in my head the whole time I was writing this Wild Fact!
Flying Dragon Fast Facts – The female flying dragon will only visit the forest floor to lay her eggs in the soil. The rest of the time she will hang out high in the trees.
Photo from Michigan Science Art
