The Indian flying lizard, also known as the Dussumier’s flying lizard, is a fascinating species of lizard found in the Indian subcontinent. These arboreal reptiles are well known for their ability to glide through the air, making them one of the few lizards capable of true flight.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Indian Flying Lizard |
| Scientific Name | Draco dussumieri |
| Colour | Bright green on the upper side and brown on the underbelly, with yellow stripes on the flanks |
| Length | Up to 30 cm |
| Habitat | Forests, grasslands, and scrublands |
| Food habits | Insects and other small invertebrates |
| IUCN status | Least Concern |
Features
The Indian flying lizard is a medium-sized lizard, growing up to 200 mm in length. They have a flat, elongated body, with a long, slender tail that makes up about two-thirds of their body length. Their wings are made up of folds of skin that stretch from their elongated ribs to their limbs. The wings are brightly coloured with a distinct pattern of yellow, red and green, making them an attractive species to observe. Indian flying lizards have the ability to glide for over 20 metres through the air, using their wings to control their flight.
Habitat details
Indian flying lizards are found in a variety of habitats across the Indian subcontinent, including tropical and subtropical forests, and in urban areas such as parks and gardens. They are primarily arboreal and are often found perched on trees, where they use their wings to glide between branches.
Food
The diet of Indian flying lizards primarily consists of insects, including ants, termites, and beetles. They are also known to eat spiders, small lizards, and other small invertebrates.
Importance to ecosystem
Indian flying lizards play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling the populations of insects and other small invertebrates. They are also an important prey species for a variety of predators, including birds of prey and snakes.
IUCN status
The Indian flying lizard is currently listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List. While there are threats to their habitat, the species is believed to have a wide range and is not considered to be significantly threatened.
Conclusion
The Indian flying lizard is a unique and fascinating species of lizard found in the Indian subcontinent. Their ability to glide through the air is a remarkable feat of evolution and makes them an interesting species to study. While they face some threats to their habitat, their current status as a species of least concern is reassuring, and efforts should be made to protect their habitats to ensure their continued survival in the future.
