our sites

Menu

Travel Stories

The top three most fascinating lizards of the Philippines photo by Richard Ling (via Creative Commons)

The top three most fascinating lizards of the Philippines

by : Nicole Brown posted :

The Philippines is a herp enthusiast's dream vacation destination. As a well-known hot spot for biodiversity, the country has many amazing endemic creatures that call the Islands home. Below are three of the top lizards that are showstoppers in the rain forests. Some are big, some are small but all are equally exciting to spot on your custom Philippine tour.

  1. Philippine sailfin lizard photo by Ltshears (via Creative Commons)
    Philippine sailfin lizard

    Philippine sailfin lizard

    The first endemic to the Philippines lizard on the list is the Philippine sailfin. So named for its sail-like fin seen only in males, this reptile also boasts an impressive size. Adults can grow to be up to a metre in length. Equally impressive swimmers, these forest-dwellers also have webbed toes; some younger lizards can be seen skating across the water's surface.

    Females lay eggs once a year but can lay many batches; once the little guys hatch, they’re in survival mode swimming or running away from predators including snakes and other forest fiends. So if you'd like to catch a glimpse of this navy-blue and gold critter be quick and look in forests near bodies of water throughout the Philippines including Luzon, Negros, Panay and Catanduanes.


  2. Gecko lizard photo by Richard Ling (via Creative Commons)
    Gecko lizard

    Tuko lizard / tokay gecko

    This lizard or gecko goes by two different names depending on who you talk to. Known as both the tuko lizard and the Tokay gecko, this little guy comes in many stunning colorways ranging from green with orange spots to blue with pink spots and different variations in-between. This is because he (or she) changes colours to match his or her environment. But as a general rule, the males will be more colourful than the females. Aggressive, the males will fight each other for territorial rights as well as pummel intruders. Females lay small batches of eggs and they will guard their young until they hatch.

    So named because of their mating call, many locals find these reptiles a bit annoying and they have become common household pests throughout the years. If you'd like to take a look at this rainbow-clad creature, make sure to check out the many rainforests throughout the Philippines including those in Luzon, Polillo Islands and Catanduanes.


  3. Draco lizard photo by Charles J. Sharp (via Creative Commons)
    Draco lizard

    Draco lizard

    Aside from having a cool name, the Draco lizard can also fly – or put more accurately – glide. These critters have elongated ribs on both sides of their bodies that are connected to skin membranes that catch the air and allow them to glide. They utilise these parachute-like set-ups by reaching back and manually grabbing their membranes and opening up their "wings."

    Since they enjoy the high life, the only time these lizards touch ground is when a female is ready to lay her eggs. Once she's ready, she makes a nest by plunging her head into the ground and creating a pit. Then she lays her eggs in the hole and guards it for 24 hours before leaving and carrying on to her gliding business as usual. Just like the other lizards on the list, this flying performer can be found in rain forests including those in Luzon and Catanduanes.


Ready to play spot the lizard? Make sure to grab your expert Philippine tour guide and he or she will take you the best places where you will encounter the many critters on your must-see animal list.

Back to stories list

Hello !