Scientific Name
Hydrosaurus amboinensis
Other Common Name(s)
Malayan Sail-finned Lizard, Amboina Sailfin Lizard, Moluccan Sailfin Lizard
Body Length
Up to around 1m
Habitat
Tropical forests, marshes, streams, lakes
Diet
Plants, insects, small fish and shrimps
Fun Facts
Sailfin lizards are semi-aquatic and live near water. When threatened by predators, they can run a short distance across the water using their feet and tail, swim away when they sink, and hide underwater for long periods.
Sailfin lizards have a prehistoric appearance, with a crested tail resembling a sail. The sail is believed to serve as a territorial display and to aid swimming and thermoregulation.
Distribution
Philippines and the central and eastern part of Indonesia
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Pollution
Sailfin lizards have lost some of their habitats to agriculture and logging. They are also captured by local people for food and pet trade. In some areas, sailfin lizards are threatened by water pollution caused by the use of chemicals in agriculture.
Plastic Challenge
