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Flying Lizards: Tiny Dragons That Actually Exist

 Dearest gentle readers,

When we read Carvalho, I couldn’t help but wonder were these creatures real, or just something the author made up? A lizard that flies? Sounds like pure fantasy. But surprise they’re real! Meet Draco, the incredible little glider of the animal kingdom.

Flying lizards have been around for ages, but Carl Linnaeus, the scientist who classified species, was the first to officially document them in the 1700s. Of course, locals in Southeast Asia had already known about them for centuries. Imagine watching a lizard leap off a tree and effortlessly glide to another no wonder they became part of legends!


• They glide, not fly – Their rib-supported skin flaps (patagia) let them travel up to 30 feet between trees.

• They live in the treetops – They rarely touch the ground, spending most of their lives feasting on ants and termites.

• They have aerial duels – Males use their gliding skills to claim territory, attract mates, and even battle mid-air!

Draco lizards still thrive in Southeast Asia, blending perfectly with their surroundings. However, habitat destruction threatens their survival.


I guess one of the most fascinating parts of Carvalho turns out to be based on a real reptile the same kind I’ve always gotten the ick from.

Alas, I must now take my leave, lest this tale drain the last remnants of my spirit. May we never speak of this again.


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