While the show focused on animals in the Malaysian rain forest, there are about 30 different species of draco lizards that live in various parts of southeast Asia. Like the colugos they too have membranes attached to their bodies supported by 5 to 7 'ribs' that allow them to glide through the trees for up to 25 feet. (A fossil found in 2007 shows that these 'flying lizards' have been around for over 100 million years.) One species is known as the flying dragon.
Source: indonesiatraveling.com
It eats ants and termites it finds in the trees and the only time it's found on the ground is during mating season when the female lays its eggs.
Draco lizard, Photo by: Premaphotos, Alamy Source: nationalgeographic.com
The paradise tree snake is one of several species of tree snake that can leap from tree to tree or from tree to ground by gliding through the air. After it launches itself into the air, it spreads its ribs and flattens its body actually making it concave to 'catch more air'. Right before landing on the ground, it lowers its tail to help break the fall and raises its head to make sure it doesn't take the brunt of the landing. Isn't this an absolutely gorgeous snake?
Source: naturemalaysia.com
It has weak venom, strong enough to paralyze the smaller animals it preys on, but harmless to humans. Its main prey is tree dwelling lizards. Hmm. Like draco lizards for example? Since the lizard has to ability to glide through trees to escape predators, perhaps that's why the snake has also developed a way to 'chase' after them.
Source: livescience.com
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