Tambokaka: The Flying Dragon

A dozen or so species of draco flying lizards find their home in the Philippines. Collectively known as tambokaka in this region, they glide gracefully between trees for distances up to sixty meters.

The insectivorous flying dragons eat mostly ants. The trunk of this mango tree by our house always has a steady parade of ants so these draco lizards are a common sight. They can often be seen scurrying in stages up the trunks of tall coconut palms as well.

Except for when the female lays eggs in a hole on the forest floor, these flying lizards make their home entirely off the ground. Oh, and for a few fleeting moments they inhabit the air as well.