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The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Reptiles and amphibians of the rainy season
Malabar Gliding Frog South: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and southern Maharashtra A frog that has webbed feet, builds nests of foam, can glide, and is found only in the Western Ghats? One of the most distinctive Indian amphibians, the Malabar Gliding Frog, can be found on trees alongside streams in the dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. It can be identified by its large bulging eyes, bright green colour and big size. During the monsoon, females make special foam nests on overhanging branches near streams and pools. When the tadpoles hatch, they dive into the water. These frogs can glide smoothly among the trees, covering the length of a bus during their glides! Bombay Shieldtail West: Maharashtra-Satara District, Konkan Found in the northern part of the Western Ghats, this unassuming and secretive snake lives underground, eats earthworms and has a flat, pan-like tail. Found in the forests of the Sahyadri Mountains, it uses its distinctive shield-like tail — which gives it its name — to burrow underground and hunt its favourite prey: earthworms! With the monsoon being its breeding time, it is more active on the surface. With a beautiful black and white scale pattern, it confuses its predators by curling into a ball, leaving them unable to make head or tail of it. Himalayan Rock Agama North: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh A hardy lizard that turns a gorgeous blue during the breeding season, the Himalayan Rock Agama is not as famous as its relative, the 'Draco' Flying Lizard. No stranger to high altitudes, the agama survives the harsh Himalayan winter by hiding in crevices and rocks and 'slowing down' its body processes to reduce energy wastage. Once winter ends, it steps out to feast on the abundant insects and berries found in the warmth of the summer sun. Cope's Assam Frog East: Northeastern India Named in honour of the American reptile scientist Cope, this small nocturnal forest-dwelling frog is an expert jumper, leaping up to at least 10 times its body length! It loves to eat insects and its body is a varying olive-green and dark brown in colour. The adults are found in thick vegetation or even in plantations, near water bodies. The male has a distinct rattling call like that of machine-gun fire. Its tadpoles are aquatic and expert swimmers found in pools and swamps.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
Jesus Christ lizard that walks on water, two headed snake and other unique reptiles around the globe
Reptiles often evoke images of cold-blooded stillness, but in the wild, many of these creatures are anything but ordinary. Some can sprint across water, others glide through treetops like dragons, and a few are so well-camouflaged they vanish before your eyes. These reptiles aren't just fascinating to look at—they're masterclasses in evolutionary adaptation. From the water-skimming feats of the Jesus Christ lizard to the sky-bound glides of Draco lizards, the animal kingdom is teeming with reptilian surprises. Here are six standout species that showcase nature's wildest creativity. Fascinating reptiles including Jesus Christ lizard that walk on water and thorny devil of dessert 1. The Jesus Christ lizard: Nature's water-walker Native to the rainforests of Central America, the Basiliscus basiliscus gets its nickname—the Jesus Christ lizard—from its seemingly miraculous ability to run across water. When startled, it rises on its hind legs and dashes across ponds and streams, staying above the surface thanks to large, fringed feet and incredible speed. This phenomenon, known as basal locomotion, allows it to flee predators like snakes and birds without diving in. The key lies in the physics: each step generates enough force to keep the lizard momentarily suspended on air pockets formed on the water's surface, before gravity eventually takes over. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo It's not a long-term solution—but it's long enough to survive. 2. Draco volans: The gliding dragon of Southeast Asia Resembling a miniature dragon from folklore, the Draco volans, or flying dragon lizard, is an arboreal marvel. Found in tropical forests across Southeast Asia, it has evolved a unique adaptation—elongated ribs that support wing-like membranes, or patagia, allowing it to glide effortlessly between trees. These lizards use their 'wings' to travel distances of up to 30 feet, not to migrate but to find food, evade predators, or seek mates. Their flight is more akin to a parachute jump than birdlike flapping, with a long, thin tail helping steer and stabilize. Often mistaken for falling leaves at first glance, these lizards are a perfect blend of camouflage and mobility. 3. Bicephalic snakes: Two brains, one confused body Though they sound like something from mythology, two-headed snakes are a real and rare genetic anomaly caused by a condition called bicephaly. Like conjoined twins in humans, these snakes result from an embryo that partially splits into two, leaving them with two functioning heads on a shared body. Each head has its own brain, often leading to conflicting decisions—one head may want to feed while the other is defensive, or they may try to move in opposite directions. While they're fascinating from a biological standpoint, most bicephalic snakes have shorter lifespans in the wild due to these coordination issues. Still, in captivity, some individuals have been known to survive for several years under careful care. 4. Thorny devil: The desert's armored hydrating machine The thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is perhaps Australia's most visually striking reptile. Covered head to toe in sharp, conical spines, this lizard looks ready for battle. But its defense goes beyond the visual. On the back of its neck sits a false head—a decoy that confuses predators, allowing the real head to duck down in defense. More fascinating still is its passive hydration system. The thorny devil doesn't need to seek out water; instead, it collects dew and rain through tiny grooves in its skin, which funnel moisture directly to its mouth via capillary action. In a harsh, dry environment, this feature is nothing short of genius. 5. The Mata Mata turtle: Master of disguise and ambush The Mata Mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata) is one of the Amazon's most effective ambush predators—not through speed or aggression, but through perfect camouflage. With its flattened, leaf-shaped head, rough-textured skin, and bark-like shell, the turtle blends seamlessly into its muddy, leaf-littered surroundings. Rather than chase prey, it simply waits. When a small fish swims near, it opens its large, flattened mouth in a sudden vacuum-like motion, sucking in water and prey in one gulp. Its feeding method is so passive and efficient that the Mata Mata barely moves, conserving energy in a nutrient-poor environment. It's evolution at its stealthiest. 6. The Tokay gecko: Loud, bold, and brilliantly colored The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) isn't just eye-catching with its vivid blue-gray body and orange spots—it's also one of the most vocal and aggressive reptiles in its range. Native to Southeast Asia, it lives in trees, caves, and even human homes, where its echoing call—'To-kay! To-kay!'—is both its name and its signature. Male geckos are particularly territorial and may bite if threatened, armed with strong jaws and a surprising amount of attitude for a creature just 12 inches long. Despite this, the Tokay is popular in the exotic pet trade, valued for its appearance and vocalizations. However, handling them requires caution, as their bite can be painful and they're known to hold on with stubborn force. 7. The tuatara: New Zealand's living fossil At first glance, the tuatara may look like an ordinary lizard, but it belongs to an entirely separate order of reptiles called Rhynchocephalia, which dates back over 200 million years. Native only to New Zealand, the tuatara is often referred to as a "living fossil" because it's the last surviving member of a lineage that thrived during the time of the dinosaurs. One of the tuatara's most curious features is its "third eye"—a light-sensitive organ located on the top of its head, believed to help regulate circadian rhythms and seasonal behaviors in juveniles. Unlike most reptiles, tuataras grow very slowly and can live for over 100 years. They also thrive in cooler temperatures, making them unique among reptiles. Tuataras are mostly nocturnal, feeding on insects, small birds, and other reptiles. Though slow-moving and seemingly unremarkable, the tuatara is a biological treasure, offering scientists valuable insight into ancient reptilian evolution.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Family Faces Heart-Wrenching Choice to Leave Beloved German Shepherd Behind While Self-Deporting (Exclusive)
Overcoming unexpected challenges, one Los Angeles shelter is committed to giving pets a fresh startNEED TO KNOW Draco is a 6-year-old German Shepherd whose family decided to self-deport due to the ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles Unfortunately, the dog was not allowed on their flight, and Draco's owners had to surrender him to a Southern California shelter A volunteer at the local rescue made a TikTok video about Draco's story, which went viralWhen a family made the difficult decision to self-deport, they initially planned for their loyal German Shepherd, Draco, to join them on their journey. Unfortunately, after purchasing a plane ticket for their 6-year-old furry friend, an unforeseen airline policy rendered him unable to fly due to his size. Faced with no other option, the heartbroken family surrendered Draco to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), despite having loved and raised him for over five years. On June 30, 2025, he was placed under the care of Carson/Gardena Animal Care Center, awaiting a new beginning. 'Draco's family was placed in a very difficult position due to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and their subsequent deportation,' DACC Public Information Officer Christopher Valles tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'Unfortunately, they were unable to take Draco with them and made the difficult decision to surrender him to our care center to ensure his safety and well-being.' The DACC says they 'do not have specific information regarding the airline's decision,' and it remains unclear which airline the family used. Nevertheless, Carson/Gardena staff welcomed the family with compassion, doing everything they could to ease the transition for both Draco and his owners. As a result of recent deportation operations in Southern California, DACC has observed a rise in pet surrenders from families affected by the enforcement. The Trump administration has reportedly ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest 3,000 immigrants each day, vowing to carry out the largest mass deportation in United States history, targeting over 10 million undocumented immigrants regardless of criminal record. 'While we acknowledge the emotional impact of families having to surrender their pets during deportation, it's important to note that this is a relatively new issue for our department,' Valles admits. 'As such, we have not yet seen documented success stories or unifications in this context.' The DACC is actively collecting data to better understand and respond to the impact on both owners and their pets. Some of the main challenges they face when reuniting animals with their families include outdated contact information and logistical barriers, such as relocation, displacement, or legal issues that make reclaiming pets difficult. 'These factors can make the reunification process more complicated, but DACC remains committed to doing everything possible to reconnect pets with their families whenever circumstances allow,' Valles emphasizes. In the last month, nearly half of the animals surrendered to the Los Angeles County DACC's seven animal care centers have been successfully placed into permanent, loving homes. After Draco's surrender, some expressed concern online for the German Shepherd, fearing he might be at risk of euthanasia; however, he was healthy and showed no behavioral issues upon arrival. 'While it's true that not every animal in our care is a suitable candidate for adoption due to medical, behavioral, or other challenges…our commitment is always to find the best possible outcome for every animal,' Valles reveals. According to the latest data from the Los Angeles County DACC, 44% of animals in their care found adoptive homes within the last year, nearly double the percentage that were euthanized, highlighting the agency's ongoing efforts to prioritize life-saving outcomes and connect animals with loving families. Luckily, Draco was one of the 44%, as his stay at the rescue only lasted a little over a week. On July 10, 2025, he was adopted by a new family after a video of his story went viral on TikTok. 'DACC wants the community to know that no matter the situation a family is in and they find themselves in the difficult position of not being able to care for their pet, we are here to help,' Valles tells PEOPLE. 'Whether it is with resources to help keep the pet with family members or friends, or ultimately to help make the difficult decision of surrendering their pet as smooth as possible.' Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
The Citizen
20-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Missing for 2 months: Stellenbosch student's pet python found in car sold to dealership
When BCom student Roelof Naudé (21) lost his pet snake at his private residence in Stellenbosch two months ago, he was really sad. 'I've shed a tear and looked for him forever,' said the Georgian, who is currently visiting his parents during the school holidays. 'Draco is a ball python, and I've had him since he was a baby.' Helping out at his dad's business, Naudé received a call on July 18 from the car dealership in George to which he sold his vehicle a week ago, George Herald reports. 'They asked me if I'd lost a snake. I was so happy to hear they found him. I couldn't believe it,' says Naudé, who immediately asked for a break during his shift at SPAR Wellington Square and went to fetch his pet. Apparently, a customer had browsed among the cars at the dealership and spotted the snake on a seat. 'It was so unreal,' says Naudé, 'but it all makes sense. I lost him in the beginning of winter. Snakes like to be warm; I think he stayed hidden in the car because of the heat.' Naudé has had Draco for three years, and received him as a gift from his tattoo artist in Stellenbosch. Draco is currently about 75cm and weighs 1.5kg. A ball python can tip the scale at 5kg and live up to 30 years. 'Draco is completely harmless and used to being handled. He was absolutely starving and very thirsty. I raced home and gave him a bowl of water, and defrosted a rat. Snakes can go months without eating. The rat will last him weeks.' Naudé says Draco is very comfortable and likes to be around people. 'In the beginning, my girlfriend had to get used to his presence, but now she's happy to hold him.' Naudé is full of praise for the car dealership and one of its employees, whom he says handled the situation like a professional. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Meet the Jesus Christ lizard that walks on water (and other fascinating reptiles around the world)
Reptiles are often misunderstood, relegated to the eerie. But, delve deeper and you'll find creatures so bizarre, so unexpectedly brilliant, they feel pulled straight from a fantasy novel. From lizards that run across water to turtles that impersonate leaves, nature's creativity knows no bounds. Let's meet some of the most captivating reptiles in the world. It sounds like folklore, but this lizard really does run on water. Found in Central America, the Basiliscus basiliscus, commonly known as the Jesus Christ lizard, uses sheer speed and body mechanics to dart across river surfaces. As National Geographic explains, they accomplish the seemingly miraculous act of moving on top of water by generating forces with their feet that keep their bodies both above the surface and upright. The trick lies in their hind feet, which slap the water hard enough to create pockets of air that prevent sinking—long enough, at least, to escape predators like birds and snakes. Two-headed snakes have long inspired mythologies, but in real life, they're the result of a rare developmental anomaly called bicephaly. Just like conjoined twins in humans, these snakes are born when a single embryo tries—but fails—to fully split into identical twins. The result is two brains often working against each other. While fascinating to observe, these animals rarely survive long in the wild. Their instincts don't always align; one head might sense prey, the other might retreat, making survival complicated in nature's harsh logic. High in the canopy of Southeast Asian forests lives a lizard that glides between trees like a miniature dragon. The Draco lizard has wing-like flaps that unfurl from elongated ribs, allowing it to soar across jungle gaps. According to BBC Earth, Draco lizards have the amazing ability to fly from tree to tree in search of food, a mate or to avoid predators. They don't fly like birds but rather glide with elegance, steering mid-air with their tails. Their graceful aerial moves have even earned them a place in folklore across Asia, where they're thought to bring luck—or fear. Looking like something straight out of Mad Max, the thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is covered in spikes, right down to a false head on the back of its neck to mislead predators. But perhaps its most fascinating trait is invisible to the eye. As Australian Geographic shares, 'tiny grooves that suck up dew… passing it to the devil's mouth without the lizard having to lift a finger.' That's right, this desert dweller drinks through its skin. Morning dew collects on its body, gets absorbed into the grooves, and travels by capillary action right into the mouth. Who needs a water bottle when your skin does the job? The Mata Mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata) from the Amazon basin doesn't bother chasing prey. It doesn't have to. With a face like a pile of leaves and a shell like mossy bark, this turtle lies motionless in the murky waters of the rainforest, blending perfectly into its surroundings. With a barklike shell and a head shaped like a leaf, the mata mata turtle is a master of camouflage. When an unsuspecting fish wanders too close, the turtle simply opens its cavernous mouth and sucks it in, no chase, no fight, just stealth and vacuum power. The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) isn't your average wall-crawler. Found across Southeast Asia, this gecko is brilliantly blue-grey with fiery orange spots—and it doesn't hesitate to voice its opinions. Known for its vocalizations that sound like 'To‑kay! To‑kay!', the gecko has reputation for being aggressive and territorial, especially males. These geckos are fiercely territorial, and while they may be beautiful, they're not afraid to use their powerful jaws. Still, their call and striking appearance make them one of the most charismatic reptiles in the pet trade (for experienced handlers only).
