![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Philippine_Sailfin_Dragon.jpg/640px-Philippine_Sailfin_Dragon.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Philippine sailfin lizard
Species of lizard / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Hydrosaurus pustulatus?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Hydrosaurus pustulatus, or the Philippine sailfin lizard or Philippine sailfin dragon, is a large, semiaquatic species of agamid lizard that is endemic to all of the major island groups of the Philippines (with the exception of a few, including Palawan).[2][1][3][4] Within the Philippines, they are known locally by many names, such as layagan or balubid (Tagalog), or ibid (Bisayan), among other names.[5][6] Like others in its genus, H. pustulatus is characterized by its prominent, sail-like dorsal crest at the top of its tail, which itself is a continuation of the spine-like ridge running down the animal's back, starting atop their head. Sailfin lizards, when mature, are comparable in size to some iguanas, and can grow to a maximum length of 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m).
Philippine sailfin lizard | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Wild Philippine sailfin lizard in Leyte | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Iguania |
Family: | Agamidae |
Genus: | Hydrosaurus |
Species: | H. pustulatus |
Binomial name | |
Hydrosaurus pustulatus (Eschscholtz, 1829) | |
Hydrosaurus pustulatus are strong swimmers from the time they hatch, and spend much of their time in and around water—both fresh and brackish water areas, including tidal zones such as mangrove forests or mudflats, provided there is nearby vegetation for refuge. In addition to its water-loving lifestyle, the sailfin lizard is also semi-arboreal, and will regularly rest or sun themselves on low-growing tree branches or within larger shrubs. In a similar manner to certain types of Basiliscus lizards in the Americas, sailfin lizards may become "spooked" by potential predators or other threats, and suddenly appear to "walk on water" as they flee, running swiftly across the surface on just their back legs. While escaping, the lizard uses its long tail as a supportive "rudder". Besides the aforementioned coastal habitats, sailfin lizards also inhabit inland tropical forests with sufficient streams, rivers, lakes or ponds, among other water sources .[3]
H. pustulatus is presently considered a low-risk, or "least concern", species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); however, it is still a protected species within the Philippines. Modern, aggressive coastal deforestation of mangrove forests a notable threat to the species' conservation.[3] Furthermore, it is sometimes targeted by illegal poachers or egg-collectors who aim to turn a profit by selling the lizards, or their young, on the black market. The sailfin lizard, as a species, is known to be difficult to breed in captivity, increasing its risk of field-collection. Nevertheless, a few qualified keepers and hobbyists have had captive-breeding successes, helping to raise the species' overall global population. Within the pet trade, the sailfin lizard has been, and remains, relatively obscure; still, enthusiasts who keep or admire them note the lizard's impressive and somewhat "prehistoric" appearance, with its signature tail crest, as their main attractions to the animal.[7][3]