Flying Dragons - Meet the Gliding Lizard

You can walk past one without ever knowing it is there. The gliding lizard is one of the most unusual animals living around Green Climbers Home, but also one of the hardest to spot. Sitting quietly on tree trunks, these small reptiles disappear into their surroundings. Only when they spread their wing-like membranes and glide through the forest do they show their true nature.

The common flying dragon (Draco volans) is a Southeast Asian lizard with a unique adaptation: the ability to glide from tree to tree using extensions of skin supported by elongated ribs.

Masters of Camouflage

The hardest part isn't seeing one glide - it's finding one sitting still.

Flying dragons spend nearly their entire lives on tree trunks. Their gray and brown patterns blend perfectly with bark, making them almost invisible. Unless they move, most hikers walk straight past them without noticing. Around Green Climbers Home you can find them in the more forested areas.

Life High in the Trees

Flying dragons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They feed mainly on ants and other small insects, patiently waiting for prey to wander within striking distance. Although small, they are surprisingly territorial. Males defend their favorite trees and often glide toward intruding rivals to chase them away. Gliding is therefore used not only for travel but also as an efficient way to patrol their territory.

More Common Further South

Several Draco species occur throughout Southeast Asia. While they are generally more abundant in the warmer lowland forests further south, they can still be found in central Laos.

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Harmless Forest Acrobat

Flying dragons are completely harmless to humans. They don't bite unless handled and pose no danger to climbers or hikers. Their remarkable gliding ability has fascinated scientists for decades and even inspired engineers studying efficient aerial movement.

Conservation

The Common Flying Dragon (Draco volans) is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It remains widespread across much of Southeast Asia and faces no major threats at present. However, like many forest-dwelling species, it depends on healthy woodland habitats. Protecting Southeast Asia's forests ensures these tiny aerial acrobats continue gliding through the canopy for generations to come.