Philippine sail-fin water dragon

Scientific name: Hydrosaurus pustulatus

Country: Philippines

Continent: Asia

Diet: Fruit- frugivore, insects- insectivore, frogs- ranivore, fish- piscivore

Food & feeding: Omnivore

Habitats: Tropical rainforest, freshwater

Conservation status: Lack of information

Relatives: Plumed basilisk, frill-necked lizard

Description: This large semi-aquatic lizard is found along the river banks, near the water rather than actually in it. The name 'dragon' refers to the high crest of skin on the base of the male's tail, which is supported by bony projections of the tail vertebrae. They can grow up to 90 cm.

Lifestyle: When disturbed or alarmed they will drop from branches into water and they are strong swimmers - almost appearing to walk on the water. In fact, the back toes are flattened, enabling the lizard to push against the toes and the water - and to run across the water surface.

Family & friends: Little is known about the social life of this lizard.

Growing up: The female breeds once a year and can lay several clutches of 6-12 eggs. She buries the eggs in a hole and they hatch after about two months.

Humans could run across the surface of rivers and lakes too - if we had feet big enough and could move our legs fast enough. This lizard finds it easier because it can run very fast, it's not too heavy and it has special scale extensions on the back toes to make the feet bigger.

Conservation news: Little is known about the conservation status of this species in the wild. A European breeding programme has been set up by Chester Zoo.

Bristol Zoo Gardens has successfully bred these lizards and distributed the young to other zoos in the UK.