A SWIMMER AND A WATER WALKER. Known as “ibid” in Misamis Oriental and Agusan in Northeastern Mindanao, the Philippine Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) is a water lizard that swims and walks on water using its sail and flattened toes.
It is notable for its well-developed crest of tooth-like scales on its head and its erect sail at the base of the tail, which may be up to 8cm high. Its third eye, or vestigial eye, also called the parietal or pineal eye, atop its head is also hard to miss.
An omnivore measuring around 24 to 36 inches, this lizard feeds on fish, frogs, fruits, a range of leaves, shoots, vegetables, insects, and crustaceans. It lives in tropical forests and near rivers.
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The Philippine Sailfin Lizards and other reptiles are vital components of the food webs in most ecosystems and fill a crucial role as predator and prey species. Today, they (“ibid”) are endangered. Forest destruction and degradation and illegal wildlife trade have led to its population decline.
How can we protect them from extinction?
March 3 is World Wildlife Day. It is a United Nations International Day to celebrate all the world’s wild animals and plants and the contribution that they make to our lives and the health of the planet.
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