Reptiles Of The Rainforest Gallery II

"Lizards, Geckos and Skinks"

These reptiles of the rainforest pictures illustrate not only the diversity of life living in jungle habitats, but the amazing evolutionary designs that allow them to walk on rocks, glide from tree trunk to tree trunk or just stand still in silent safety. It is possible to see many of these reptiles of the rainforest. Believe it or not!

One purpose in showcasing these jungle and coastal species is to encourage you to look for them. Lowland and hill forests, grasslands, plantations and even urban parks are all reptile habitats.

Start practicing moving through the jungle quietly and keeping a sharp eye out for tree trunk residents.

Tropical Rainforest Pictures Galleries

• Rainforest Pictures I: Borneo and Sumatra Species Too
• Rainforest Pictures II: Jungle, Jungle, Everywhere!
• Reptiles of the Rainforest I: More Than Just Snakes!
• Rainforest Videos Collection: Get A View Of Jungle Life

Chameleon Anglehead Lizard - A Colorful Escape Artist

A jungle dweller, this attractive lizard wears a green-blue skin speckled with black flecks and a black-banded tail. Usually seen on medium-sized tree trunks perched head-up to pan the forest landscape, it rotates out of view when approached. Watch for small movements and a cautious eye peeking around to find you.

Test out your wildlife tracking skills for reptiles of the rainforest at any of the following sites: Kanching Forest, FRIM, Selangor Park, Cameron Highlands or Temenggor.

Look! Up in that large tree. It's a skinny mouse! No, it's a thick praying mantis! No, it's a funky lizard with a cape! Huh?

Have no fear, the Draco lizard is here. Watch as my jet black dewlap flashes signals to damsel lizards in sex stress and wards off male competitors. See me fold out a reinforced membrane to flee enemies and fly through the forest in super-lizard silence.

With my bulbous head, snazzy yellow-spotted glide ride and dashing dewlap, I gotta lure a mate. Cape? Silly jungle trekkers.

There are two Calotes species: one prefers the cover of primary forests (as above), the other is a garden dweller found in open landscapes. Both lizards are absent in southern Peninsular Malaysia.

The Garden or Changeable Lizard is a hardy species that turns tan, brown or reddish when approached and thrives anywhere from highway rest stops to urban parks.

Next time you travel on the North-South Expressway, search the trees next to the buildings and snap-click a Calotes.

Geckos come in all sizes and this one is a monster. Forget Godzilla!

The tokay exhibits bright orange spots against a blue-tinted body that calls out a loud "tok, tok, tok-ehh" to startle anyone nearby. Without any eyelids and vertical pupils, it stares back at you in eerie stillness.

Resting in rock crevices during the day, they come out at night to feed and can easily be seen where lights attract plenty of insects. Go grab a torchlight and find these large, lovable lizards tonight!

In sandy coastal flats and plantations, butterfly lizards escape heat and predators by digging tunnels in the cool soil. These brightly marked lizards scurry wildly from hole to hole to avoid enemies and tourists.

Just like beach goers, butterfly lizards bask in morning sunlight, hang out and eat, and then retire in early afternoon back to their dwelling. Two of the best places to observe these flashy reptiles are the islands of Pangkor and Langkawi.

A common resident in coastal forests and coconut palms, skinks scamper over leaf litter and rocks like a bad car chase scene until safe from view among the palm fronds. These cigar-shaped lizards rarely venture off the trunk and are often seen basking only a few meters high.

True to its lifestyle, this skink has a tan-looking bronze body worthy of a beach lover, with an accentuating yellow to green underside and black specks on top that make it shimmer.

Back To Gallery: Reptiles of the Rainforest I

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