T15 : 19-02-25

Gekko is a genus of Southeast Asian geckos commonly known as true geckos or calling geckos, in the family Gekkonidae.

Although species such as Gekko gecko (tokay gecko) are very widespread and common, some species in the same genus have a very small range and are considered rare or endangered.

The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a nocturnal arboreal gecko in the genus Gekko, the true geckos. It is native to Asia and some Pacific Islands.

This species is found in northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia and toward western New Guinea.

G. gecko native habitat is rainforests, where it lives on trees and cliffs, and it frequently adapts to rural human habitations, roaming walls and ceilings at night in search of insect prey. The tokay gecko is a large nocturnal gecko, reaching a total length (including tail) of 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) on average, but some grow as large as 40 cm (16 inches) long.

It is believed to be the third-largest species of gecko, after the giant leaf-tail gecko (Uroplatus giganteus) and New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus).

G. gecko is cylindrical, but somewhat flattened in body shape. The eyes have vertical pupils, skin is soft to the touch and is generally blue-gray with red or orange spots and speckles. G. gecko can change the color of its skin to blend into the environment.

This species is sexually dimorphic, with the males being more brightly colored and slightly larger than females. They have two visual pigments: a "green" with λmax at 521 nm and a "blue" at 467 nm. It is a strong climber with foot pads that can support the entire weight of its body on a vertical surface for a long period of time.

Compared to other gecko species, the G .gecko has a robust build, with a semiprehensile tail, a large head, and muscular jaws.

Tokay geckos are generally aggressive and territorial, and can inflict a strong bite. Though common in the pet trade, the strong bite of the tokay gecko makes it ill-suited for inexperienced keepers. In addition, the strength of the bite depends on the gecko's size, larger (usually male) tokay geckos are capable of piercing skin, which often results in immediate bleeding.

Females lay clutches of one or two hard-shelled eggs and guard them until they hatch. The tokay gecko feeds on insects and small vertebrates.

In captivity, they usually feed on springtails, mealworms, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, locusts, and pink mice.

The male's mating call, a loud croak, is variously described as sounding like token, gekk-gekk, tuck-too, túc-key, tou-kay or tokay.

Most of the time, the call is often preceded by a quick "cackling", similar to the chirping sounds made by house geckos albeit much lower in pitch. When threatened or alarmed, tokay geckos usually "bark" while opening their mouth in a defensive posture.

Light and temperature can affect its vocalizations. The most frequent calling occurs in May at dusk, and the second peak of call frequency occurs in May at dawn.

Vocalizations and associated behavior were strongly affected by ambient temperature in both the lab and field and could thus play a role in regulating animal energetic metabolism.

This species G. gecko ( tokay gecko) is poached for the medicinal trades in parts of Asia. The tokay gecko is an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, known as Ge Jie (蛤蚧). It is believed to nourish the kidneys and lungs, beliefs that are not substantiated by medical science. This species remains highly sought after in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and other parts of Asia

G. gecko is protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meaning international trade (including in parts and derivatives) is subject to the CITES permitting system.

Tokay geckos are aggressive and have a strong bite, but they aren't venomous. Like other geckos, they can drop their tail when threatened and regenerate it.

They are also lightning fast and have a very strong bite that can draw blood. When bitten by a tokay gecko, as with other reptiles, it is best not to tug or pull, this will cause the animal to tighten its grip.

In parts of Southeast Asia, tokays geckos are regarded as bringers of luck, good fortune, and fertility. When well cared for, tokay geckos can live up to 15–20 years.

This species found above is a male adult with a total length of approximate 25cm in close observation and a head circumference of 12cm.

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Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Infraorder:Gekkota

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Gekko

Species : G. gecko

Binomial name : Gekko gecko

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms :

Lacerta gecko Linnaeus, 1758

OUTR : 24-12-2024

Lipinia is a genus of skinks, lizards in the family Scincidae. Species in the genus Lipinia are commonly called lipinias. The genus Lipinia belongs to the Sphenomorphus group of genera in which Lipinia has a rather basal position (Austin & Arnold 2006).

Lipinia vittigera, a slender bodied skink common names banded lipinia, Sipora striped skink, common striped skink and Sunda striped skink (In Thai: จิ้งเหลนต้นไม้หางส้ม) is a species of skink in the genus of Lipinia native to Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia.

Lipinia vittigera, english name 'Yellow Striped Tree Skink can be easily identified by its yellow vertebral stripe, bounded on each side by a black stripe. The upper surface of the tail is also yellow and yellowish-orange in smaller juvenile specimens.

Its diet consists of small insect prey, sometimes in direct sunlight. Lipinia vittigera mainly occurs on tree trunks and branches and bark crevices.

It can be found in primary and tall secondary forest in lowlands and hills to around 600 metres elevation.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Scincidae

Genus : Lipinia

Species : L. vittigera

Binomial name : Lipinia vittigera

(George Albert Boulenger, 1894)

T7 : 16-11-24

Agamidae is a family of iguanian lizards. They are indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and there are a few in southern Europe. The family has about 350 species in about 50 genera. Agamids usually have scaly bodies, well-developed legs, and a moderately long tail.

The average body size ranges from 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches), and the tail is 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) long, though the family varies widely.

Aphaniotis is a genus of agamid lizards from Southeast Asia. Aphaniotis fusca, the dusky earless agama or peninsular earless agama, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae.

Aphaniotis fusca (Earless Agamid) is diurnal and arboreal in habits, it is found in shaded areas of lowland primary forest, mature secondary forest, hill forest and swamp forest typically seen on low vegetation or clinging to tree trunks. If disturbed, this lizard may leap a few feet from one tree to another.

In Thai: กิ้งก่าพระอินทร์, ging ga phra innthra

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At night they typically rest on narrow branches or vines. This species has been observed feeding on a variety of invertebrates including ants, termites, caterpillars, beetles, millipedes and forest cockroaches.

Aphaniotis fusca can be recognised by its spindly narrow body, long slender legs, long tail and lack of external ear opening.

Iris colour is variable, the iris of the female and juveniles and some adult male is brown. However in some populations the iris of the male is a stunning blue and only males have blue oral mucosa (lining of the mouth).

The vertebral crest, above the neck area, is not spiny and is low in profile. The external ear drum, or tympanum, is hidden beneath small scales (hence the 'earless' name).

Some populations are plain greenish-brownish in colour, but in others there may be pale markings around the shoulders, or pale markings along the vertebral line.

The species is found in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

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Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Aphaniotis

Species : A. fusca

Binomial name : Aphaniotis fusca

(Peters, 1864)

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Gonocephalus is a genus of agamid lizards endemic to southeast Asia.

Gonocephalus bellii, commonly known as Bell's anglehead lizard or Bell's forest dragon, in Thai: กิ้งก่าดงคอสีฟ้า, ging ga dong ko si faa, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae.

The species is native to Southeast Asia and Oceania. The specific name, bellii, is in honor of English zoologist Thomas Bell.

Gonocephalus bellii is indigenous to Thailand, Malacca, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Indonesia (Borneo), and West Malaysia. It is oviparous. Clutch size is 3–5 eggs , its colour ranges from greenish-grey to brown with deep brown stripes.

Males have a colorful dewlap that ranges from teal to pinkish-purple. The preferred natural habitat of G. bellii is forest, at altitudes of 1,000–1,800 m (3,300–5,900 ft).

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Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Gonocephalus

Species : G. bellii

Binomial name : Gonocephalus bellii

(A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1837)

Synonyms :

Lophyrus bellii

A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1837

Gonyocephalus bellii

Boulenger, 1885

Gonocephalus bellii

Wermuth, 1967

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Cyrtodactylus elok, also known as the Malaysia bow-fingered gecko, white-eyed forest gecko, or beautiful bent-toed gecko, is a species of gecko that is endemic to southern Thailand and western Malaysia.

Cyrtodactylus elok is nocturnal animals, background dorsal coloration changes to lighter beige, yellow, or pink in daylight, wgen night falls it's colour is darker browns and oranges in the dark.

They also have diamond band shaped markings outlined in black with darker tan or brown coloration in the centers, these markings extend from base of head all the way down onto the tail where they become straight bands instead of diamonds.

Their bellies are grey to white with light white or cream dappling; the coloration abruptly changes to a grey or tan coloration on their sides.

Cyrtodactylus elok has thin and long bodied with spiky thin tails that are normally held in a curled position. When frightened these geckos may aggressively posture with their mouths wide open and waving their long tails stretched above them.

The Malaysia Bow-fingered Gecko (Cyrtodactylus elok) has a prehensile tail, meaning it can curl and wrap its tail around objects for added stability. This adaptation is particularly useful when the gecko is climbing or moving through its arboreal habitat. The tail is typically longer than its body, contributing to its overall length.

Cyrtodactylus elok diet consists of crickets, moths, wax worms, small roaches, and flies.

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Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Cyrtodactylus

Species : C. elok

Binomial name : Cyrtodactylus elok

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Hemidactylus craspedotus, also known as Mocquard's house gecko, frilled gecko, or frilly house gecko, is a species of gecko.

Like many other gecko species, species in the genus Hemidactylus are able to communicate with distinct vocalizations. Depending on the species, their vocalizations range from quiet clicks to short squeaks and chirps.

This species is very difficult to spot due to its nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage. It is most easily spotted resting by day in the trunks of tall trees.

The morphology of this gecko contributes to its ability to remain undetected : the flattened body, lateral skin flaps along the sides of the body and a flattened tail help to minimize shadows. These features also allow the gecko to undertake some rudimentary gliding as it moves from one tree trunk to the next.

Its colouration is highly variable, ranging from mottled grey to brown or reddish, the species is able to match its colour to blend with the substrate on which it lies concealed, and its rough, textured skin blends well with different types of tree bark.

When at rest, the most visible features of its patterning are the four broken, complex dark bands across the back and base of the tail, and the well-defined dark bands on the rest of the tail.

It is found in southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula (southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore), Tioman Island, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Hemidactylus

Species : H. craspedotus

Binomial name : Hemidactylus craspedotus

Mocquard, 1890

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Draco is a genus of agamid lizards that are also known as flying lizards, flying dragons or gliding lizards.

These lizards are capable of gliding flight via membranes that may be extended to create wings (patagia), formed by an enlarged set of ribs.

While not capable of powered flight they often obtain lift in the course of their gliding flights. Glides as long as 60 m (200 ft) have been recorded, over which the animal loses only 10 m (33 ft) in height which makes for a glide ratio of 6:1. This is done by a lizard of only around 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length, tail included.

They are found across Southeast Asia and southern India and are fairly common in forests, areca gardens, teak plantations and shrub jungle.

Members of Draco are primarily arboreal, inhabiting tropical rainforests, and are almost never found on the forest floor. They are arboreal insectivorous, primarily feeding on eusocial insects such as ants and

termites.

The colour of the patagium is strongly correlated to the colour of falling leaves in their range, which complements their cryptic camouflage resembling tree bark, both are likely to be camouflage against predatory birds.

Draco lizards are highly territorial, with the home range consisting of one or a few trees. The trees are actively guarded by males, with territory-less males searching the forest landscape in search of vacant areas.

Draco is sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. The only time a female flying lizard ventures to the ground is when she is ready to lay her eggs.

Within Agamidae, Draco is a member of the subfamily Draconinae. Within Draconinae, Draco is most closely

related to the genera Japalura and Ptyctolaemus.

Draco maximus, the great flying dragon or giant gliding lizard, is a species of agamid lizard. It is found in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

This is one of the few Draco species in which males and females have similar or identical patagial coloration (i.e. the color of the membranes that covers the elongated ribs).

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Draco

Species : D. maximus

Binomial name : Draco maximus

Boulenger, 1893

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Gekkonidae (the common geckos) is the largest family of geckos, containing over 950 described species in 62 genera.

Gekko smithii ( In Thai: ตุ๊กแกสีเทา) commonly known as Smith's green-eyed gecko or the large forest gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to mainland Southeast Asia and Indonesia.

The specific name, smithii, is in honor of Scottish zoologist Andrew Smith (1797–1872), who was the founder of the South African Museum.

The preferred natural habitat of Gekko smithii is forest. G. smithii is one of the biggest geckos, reaching a total length (including tail) of 35 cm (14 in) with a SVL of 19 cm (7.5 in)

Species of similar appearance include Gekko taylori and Gekko gecko, as well as Gekko verreauxii (from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and Gekko siamensis (from central Thailand).

Gekko smithii is found in southern Thailand (Satun, Narathiwatk Pattani), Singapore, western Malaysia (Pulau Pinang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Pulau Tioman), Myanmar (Burma), India (Nicobar Islands), and Indonesia (Borneo, Sumatra, Pulau Nias, Java).

G. smithii preys on insects, especially grasshoppers, it inhabits primary forest and swamp forest from the lowlands to around 1000 metres elevation. It is strongly arboreal and typically occurs high in the canopy, where it often clings to tree trunks

This huge gecko is more often heard than seen; its distinctive call can be heard both day and night. The call is similar in tone to that of Gekko gecko (Tokay Gecko), and typically comprises 3 to 7 short croaks, followed by a final croak which is lower in pitch and longer in duration.

There is some geographic variation in colour and patterning. In the field Gekko smithii / Gekko hulk can be identified by its large size, overall brown colour, dark bands across its dorsum and tail, and rows of white spots. Its head is large, and its eyes are green with vertical pupils. The body bears numerous tubercles.

The sexually mature female G. smithii lays a clutch of two eggs. The eggs are almost spherical, the average egg measuring 20 x 19 mm (0.79 x 0.75 in).

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Gekko

Species : G. smithii

Binomial name : Gekko smithii

Gray, 1842

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Gonocephalus is a genus of agamid lizards endemic to southeast Asia.

Gonocephalus grandis, the giant forest dragon or great anglehead lizard (In Thai: กิ้งก่าดงใหญ่, ging ga dong yai) is a species of agamid lizard found in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

The Giant Anglehead Lizard is classified under the family Agamidae. As of 2023 there are 17 species in this genus Gonocephalus .

G. grandis the Great Anglehead Lizard occurs along forest streams in lowland and hill rainforest and particularly freshwater swamp forest.

Males of this species possess well. The male head has crest protrusions, and there are large spinous scales juxtaposed around it and has striking bright green in colour with blue flanks adorned with pale yellow spots in the body and the tail has a narrow black band-like stripe.

In addition, there is a very well-developed backsail in the center of the back, and the scales on the throat and abdomen are very smooth.

Whilst the female lacks a dorsal crest. Females and juveniles are less brightly coloured, but are patterned with stripes and other markings of various shades of brown.

This species leads an arboreal lifestyle, and can be found clinging to streamside vegetation and nearby tree trunks. When disturbed these lizards may leap into the water and swim away, sometimes submerging themselves and clinging to the stream bed to evade a potential threat.

In common with most other agamids, they prey on a variety of invertebrates including various insects, insect grubs and some spiders.

One can easily find this lizard near streams or small rivers, camouflaged on the tree trunks. At night the lizards rest on leaves of saplings or twigs overhanging the water bodies.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Gonocephalus

Species : G. grandis

Binomial name : Gonocephalus grandis

(JE Gray, 1845)

Sedim forest 22-25-08-24

Gekkonidae (the common geckos) is the largest family of geckos, containing over 950 described species in 62 genera.

The Gekkonidae contain many of the most widespread gecko species, including house geckos (Hemidactylus), the tokay gecko (Gekko), day geckos (Phelsuma), the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus), and dtellas (Gehyra).

Gekkonid geckos occur globally and are particularly diverse in tropical areas. Many species of these geckos exhibit an adhering ability to surfaces through Van der Waals forces utilizing intermolecular forces between molecules of their setae (foot hair) and molecules of the surface they are on.

The Malayan forest gecko or banded bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus pulchellus) is a species of gecko found in Southeast Asia.

Head large, much depressed, oviform, snout longer than the orbit, the diameter of which equals its distance from the ear-opening, forehead and loreal region concave, ear opening suboval, vertical, slightly oblique, one third to two fifths the diameter of the eye.

Body and limbs rather elongate. Digits strong, slightly depressed at the base, strongly compressed in the remaining portion, the basal phalanx with well-developed transverse plates beneath.

Head granular, with small round tubercles on the occipital and temporal regions, the granules enlarged on the snout, except in the frontal and loreal concavities.

Rostral subquadrangular, nearly twice as broad as deep, with median cleft above, and entering the nostril to a considerable extent, the latter directed backward, pierced between the rostral, the first labial, and three or four nasals, 10 to 13 upper and 10 to 12 lower labials, mental triangular, two or three pairs of chin-shields, median largest and in contact behind the point of the mental, throat minutely granulate.

Body and limbs above with small flat granules intermixed with small roundish, keeled, subtrihedral tubercles, a series of keeled tubercles from axilla to groin, limiting the abdominal region, ventral scales cycloid, imbricate, moderately large.

Males with a longitudinal groove on the pubic region containing two parallel series of preanal pores, forming a right angle with a long series of femoral pores; altogether 18 to 20 pores on each side, 4 or 5 of which are in the groove.

Tail cylindrical, tapering, above with small flat scales and annuli of feebly keeled tubercles, beneath with a series of large transverse plates.

Light brown above, with broad chestnut-brown, light-edged cross bands, which are narrower than the interspaces between them; the anterior horseshoe-shaped, from eye to eye over the nape, the second crescent-shaped, on scapular region; three others on the body, tail with chestnut-brown complete annuli; lower surfaces dirty white. From snout to vent 4 inches, tail 5.

Distribution : NE India (Bengal), Burma, Singapore, Thailand (Phatthalung, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun), Malaysian Peninsula, Penang, Pulau Langkawi & Perak.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Cyrtodactylus

Species : C. pulchellus

Binomial name : Cyrtodactylus pulchellus

Gray, 1827

Synonyms :

Cyrtodactylus abrae

Cyrtodactylus pulchella

Gymnodactylus pulchellus

Sedim forest : 22-25-08-24

Cyrtodactylus is a diverse genus of Asian geckos, commonly known as bent-toed geckos, bow-fingered geckos, and forest geckos.

The genus has 360 described species as of 2024, which makes it the largest of all gecko genera. Members of Cyrtodactylus have slender, curved toes to which the common names for the genus can be attributed.

Cyrtodactylus consobrinus (In Thai: ตุ๊กกายมลายู) also known as Peters's bow-fingered gecko, Banded Forest Gecko, Peter's Slender-toed Gecko or the thin-banded forest gecko is a species of the most beautiful of Southeast Asia's geckos,

This species inhabits lowland primary rainforest or mature secondary forest and is found in Malaysian

peninsula, Borneo, Thailand and in Singapore.

C. consobrinus can be easily identified by the narrow bands of white or cream across the dorsum and along the tail, in adults these bands become dark-edged. The head is decorated with a symmetrical arrangement of pale or cream reticulations.

The background colour is dark brown or blackish in juveniles, and speckled medium brown in adults.

During the day this gecko will lie hidden in tree crevices, only emerging after the forest is in full darkness.

C. consobrinus inhabits mature forest where it frequents tree trunks, large boulders, cave entrances, tree burrows and in rock crevices, its diet composed of small arthropods and small crustaceans which it requires extensive nocturnal hunting.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Cyrtodactylus

Species : C. consobrinus

Binomial name : Cyrtodactylus consobrinus

(Peters, 1871)

Synonyms :

Gymnodactylus consobrinus

Gonydactylus consobrinus

Cyrtodactylus is a diverse genus of Asian geckos, commonly known as bent-toed geckos, bow-fingered geckos, and forest geckos.

The genus has 354 described species as of 2023 which makes it the largest of all gecko genera.

Instead of possessing dilated digits like other geckos, members of Cyrtodactylus have slender, curved toes to which the common names for the genus can be attributed.

Cyrtodactylus majulah is a species of gecko that is found in Singapore and Indonesia.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Subfamily : Gekkoninae

Genus : Cyrtodactylus

Gray, 1827

Species : C. majulah

Binomial name : Cyrtodactylus majulah

Grismer, Wood, & Lim, 2012

Anolis is a genus of anoles, iguanian lizards in the family Dactyloidae, native to the Americas. With more than 425 species, it represents the world's most species-rich amniote tetrapod genus, although many of these have been proposed to be moved to other genera, in which case only about 45 Anolis species remain.

Previously, it was classified under the family Polychrotidae that contained all the anoles, as well as Polychrus, but recent studies place it in the Dactyloidae.

The brown anole (Anolis sagrei), also known commonly as the Cuban brown anole, or De la Sagra's anole is a species of lizard in the family Dactyloidae. The specific name, sagrei, is in honor of Spanish botanist Ramón de la Sagra.

The species is native to Cuba and the Bahamas. It has been widely introduced elsewhere, via the importation and exportation of plants where the anole would lay eggs in the soil of the pots, and is now found in Florida and as far north in the United States as southern Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Hawaii, and Southern California. It has also been introduced to other Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Taiwan.

This species is highly invasive. In its introduced range, it reaches exceptionally high population densities, is capable of expanding its range very quickly, and both outcompetes and consumes many species of native lizards, like the green anole.

The brown anole's introduction into the United States in the early 1970s has altered the behavior and negatively affected populations of the native Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis, also known as the green anole), which have since generally been relegated to the treetops.

The brown anole is normally a light brown color with darker brown to black markings on its back, and several tan to light color lines on its sides. Like other anoles, it can change color, in this case a darker brown to black. Its dewlap ranges from yellow to orange-red.

Brown anoles are typically 5.0 to 8.5 inches long. The males can grow as large as their male Carolina anole counterparts, around 17.8–20.3 cm (7.0–8.0 in) long, with some individuals topping 22.9 cm (9.0 in).

The females are also around the size of female Carolina anoles, which ranges from 7.6–15 cm (3.0–5.9 in). The male brown anole's head is smaller than that of the male Carolina anole.

The brown anole's tail has a ridge that travels all the way up to behind the head, a feature that the Carolina anole lacks.

Female anolis lizards exhibit heritable polymorphism in their dorsal patterning. A study in Gainesville, Florida reported that one-third of A. sagrei females displayed a male-like chevron dorsal pattern, while other females had a striped dorsal pattern with continuous variation.

The brown anole tends to live on the ground, avoiding trees and preferring to live in smaller plants and shrubs and is found in both urban and suburban areas.

The brown anole can be found basking when the weather is warm and when the weather is cold they prefer sheltered areas. Brown anoles are less arboreal than the green anoles which are frequently found living in trees, on the ground, or in low vegetation.

While the brown anole is an invasive species in the United States, they likely do provide some benefits to their ecosystems. Because they eat predominantly arthropods, they may keep populations of spiders at appropriate levels. Some research suggests that local spider populations depend directly on the population of the brown anole.

In habitats they share with the green anole, the brown anole dominates and shrinks the population of the green anole. They also occasionally eat hatchlings of the green anole, further putting pressure on their populations.

The brown anole belongs to the family and genus, Datyloidae and Anolis, respectively. The most closely related species to Anolis sagrei is Anolis nelsoni, also called Nelson's anole.

The brown anole has a shorter snout length than the green anole. The green anole, or Anolis carolinensis, is green or light brown patterned.

Brown anoles feed on small arthropods such as crickets, moths, ants, grasshoppers, cockroaches, mealworms, beetles, flies, earwigs, butterflies, spiders, waxworms, amphipods, and isopods, it also feed on other types of invertebrates such as earthworms and snails.

They may also eat other lizards, such as skinks, geckos, and the Carolina anole, lizard eggs and hatchlings (including members of their species), and their own molted skin and detached tails. If near water, they eat aquatic arthropods or small fish – nearly any prey that will fit in their mouths.

Occasionally, individuals will also consume figs and plant material; it might be interpreted as a hydration mechanism or accidental ingestion.

In a given habitat, female brown anoles reproduce in the warmer parts of the year. The brood size of a single female brown anole is one egg, which it lays in damp environments. The female lays its eggs roughly 2 weeks apart from each other, resulting in a total of 15 to 18 eggs in a single breeding season.

The breeding season of a female extends slightly longer than that of a male, as the female is capable of storing sperm for a short time. ​When a juvenile anole is born, usually in June, it is completely independent from its parents. Sexual maturation of both males and females occurs within a year of hatching, so an individual can participate in the mating season following its birth.

When a female anole is prepared for mating, it begins by making itself visible to the male whose territory it is in. When mating occurs, the male grabs on to the back on the females neck with its mouth, so prior to mating, a female will bend its neck such that it is more visible and accessible by the male, indicating that it is ready for procreation. 

If the male decides to reproduce, it will begin mating with the female, which usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. Males indicate that they are available for mating by extending their dewlap and bobbing their head.

Male anoles have a flap that extends below their neck called a "dewlap". Dewlap extension occurs alongside a number of behaviors exhibited by the brown anole, namely during courtship.

The coloration of the brown anole allows it to easily blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot.

The brown anole has a detachable tail that can be detached if the anole is grabbed by the tail by a predator or used as a distraction, as it twitches after detaching. The tail grows back afterwards, albeit smaller and a duller color.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Dactyloidae

Genus : Anolis

Species : A. sagrei

Binomial name : Anolis sagrei

Duméril and Bibron, 1837

Synonyms : 

Norops sagrei

T7 : 10-11-23

Heosemys is a genus of freshwater turtles ("terrapins" in British English) in the family Geoemydidae (formerly called Bataguridae). The genus Heosemys was split out of the related genus Geoemyda by McDowell in 1964.

The spiny turtle, Heosemys spinosa (In Thai: เต่าจักร, dtao jag) is a South-East Asian turtle species. It inhabits lowland and hill rainforest, usually dwelling in the vicinity of small streams in hill areas up to 1,000 m above sea level. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

The spiny turtle is a medium-sized tortoise with a brown shell and red-spotted head. Also known as the “cog-wheel turtle,” it derives its name from its spiky-edged carapace, marginal scutes, and spiny keel.

As juvenile spiny turtles become adults, the black striped and yellow underside of their shell fades in color. In addition, the juveniles’ serrations, or jagged edges, at the carapace margin decrease in size and become restricted to the carapace’s rear margin. These changes of the spine and carapace serve as evolutionary adaptations attempting to prevent predators from preying on juvenile turtles.

The spiny turtle belongs to the kingdom of Animalia, the order of Testudines, and the genus of Heosemys. The classification of Heosemys incorporates four species: Heosemys annandalii, Heosemys depressa, Heosemys grandis, and Heosemys spinosa, however, relationships between the four are undetermined.

Variation among the Heosemys spinosa is also uncertain, but it has been suggested that there are two types: a “mainland form” dwelling in Malaysia, Thailand, and southern Myanmar, and an “insular form” found in Indonesia and the Philippines, possibly in Brunei and Singapore as well.

Adult spiny turtles’ carapace length usually falls between 175 mm to 220 mm and their mass ranges from 1.5 kg to 2.0 kg.

The spiny turtle buries itself in leaf litter to camouflage during the day and only emerges at night, foraging for food. While often portrayed as a herbivore, the spiny turtle also eats carrion (carrion refers to the dead and rotting flesh of an animal) and insects alongside fruits and plants.

Fruit from the yin-ngan tree is especially important for the turtle, and in Myanmar, the turtle often dwells beneath these trees when the trees are fruiting. Similarly, captive juvenile spiny turtles consume fruit salads multiple times a week, particularly those containing tomatoes.

At the Kubah National Park in Sarawak, analysis of fecal content revealed the turtles’ role as seed dispersal agents, for their fecal matter contained five different seed types. Arthropods and hair were also found in the samples, suggesting consumption of mammals and other animals.

H. spinosa mating occurs in December and February, and appears to be triggered by rain. Regarding nesting behavior in the wild, the female lays one or two eggs in a nest and produces up to three clutches annually.

In captivity, it has been observed that spraying males with water results in them chasing females and attempting to mount. To ease the delivery of the egg, a hinge forms in the female turtle’s plastron before it is laid. The egg is usually covered with a partial layer of substrate, and researchers have found eggs laid in a so-called “protected spot” underneath cork bark or thick foliage.

Many attempts at reproduction in captivity have proved unsuccessful due to the eggs’ shells being thick and prone to bursting if the substrate is too damp.

The first successful copulation in captivity occurred in 1991 at Zoo Atlanta, where incubation lasted for 106 days in a medium of peat moss, long fiber peat moss, and damp sand. For the first 35 days, the egg was incubated at a temperature of 28-30°C, and for the last 71 days, the temperature was decreased to 26-28°C.

Labeled as “vulnerable” by the IUCN in 1996, the spiny turtle became endangered in 2000 when the supply of the species declined by a half in the Chinese food market.

It is suggested that the main threat to the spiny turtle has been the destruction of natural forests to create oil palm plantations, common in southern Myanmar and the participation in the international pet trade and its use in traditional Chinese medicine has also led to its decline. 

However, numerous conservation efforts have been undertaken because the turtle is protected by the Philippines Wildlife Act and other initiatives. A spiny turtle hatching at the Chester Zoo in the UK in 2013 has also given hope to conservationists that the species may be retained.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Testudines

Suborder : Cryptodira

Superfamily : Testudinoidea

Family : Geoemydidae

Genus : Heosemys

Species : H. spinosa

Binomial name : Heosemys spinosa

(Gray, 1830)

Synonyms : 

Emys spinosae Gray, 1830

Geoemyda spinosa Gray, 1834

Clemmys (Clemmys) spinosa Fitzinger, 1835

Heosemys spinosa Stejneger, 1902

Gekkonidae (the common geckos) is the largest family of geckos, containing over 950 described species in 64 genera. The Gekkonidae contain many of the most widespread gecko species, including house geckos (Hemidactylus), the tokay gecko (Gekko), day geckos (Phelsuma), the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus), and dtellas (Gehyra). Gekkonid geckos occur globally and are particularly diverse in tropical areas.

Species within the Gekkonidae inhabit every warm region. Furthermore, many genera are capable of widespread geographical habitation, and can be considered invasive in some areas.

The family Gekkonidae is a member of the infraorder Gekkota, which seems to have first emerged during the Jurassic period (201-145 million years ago).

Cyrtodactylus is a diverse genus of Asian geckos, commonly known as bent-toed geckos, bow-fingered geckos, and forest geckos. The genus has 354 described species as of 2023, which makes it the largest of all gecko genera.

Instead of possessing dilated digits like other geckos, members of Cyrtodactylus have slender, curved toes to which the common names for the genus can be attributed.

The phylogenetic relationships with this genus and the genus Geckoella has not been resolved to date.

Based on morphology, Bauer (2002) suggested that it was a subgenus of Cyrtodactylus but a phylogenetic study by Feng et al. (2007), though with inadequate sampling of taxa, restored it to generic status once again. All species of Geckoella have been placed here pending a more definitive study.

Cyrtodactylus quadrivirgatus (In Thai: ตุ๊กกายลายสี่ขีด) Known as Taylor's bow-fingered gecko, four-striped forest gecko and marbled bent-toed gecko, is a species of gecko found in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Cyrtodactylus

Species : C. quadrivirgatus

Binomial name : Cyrtodactylus quadrivirgatus

Edward Harrison Taylor, 1962

Heosemys is a genus of freshwater turtles ("terrapins" in British English) in the family Geoemydidae (formerly called Bataguridae). The genus Heosemys was split out of the related genus Geoemyda by McDowell in 1964.

Four species are placed under Heosemys :

Arakan forest turtle (Boulenger, 1903),

Heosemys depressa

Giant Asian pond turtle (Gray, 1860),

Heosemys grandis

Spiny turtle (Gray, 1831),

Heosemys spinosa

Yellow-headed temple turtle (Anderson, 1875), 

Heosemys annandalii

The giant Asian pond turtle (Heosemys grandis, in Thai: เต่าหวาย, dtao waay) also known as The Giant Leaf Terrapin inhabits rivers, streams, marshes, and rice paddies from estuarine lowlands to moderate altitudes (up to about 400 metres (1,300 ft) throughout Cambodia and Vietnam and in parts of Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. It is an introduced species to Singapore.

Slight variations in coloration can be seen among the species. The carapace of the giant Asian pond turtle has a brown to black coloration with a distinct ridge along the center while the plastron is yellow in color. The head is gray to brown in color.

Capable of living in water or on land the giant Asian pond turtle can be located along bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes and canals.

The giant Asian pond turtle is omnivorous and finds food in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Their diets consist of worms, larvae, insects, snails, deceased animals, aquatic and terrestrial plants.

Similarly to other species of turtles, the giant Asian pond turtle has developed adaptations and different techniques for capturing prey in both types of environments.

H. grandis is sexual reproduction, it reaches sexual maturity at the age of 15. Female lays 2-3 eggs. The young hatch after 70 days. They are able to breed until the age of 55 and live up to 70.

The main area of concern is the illegal capture and export of these turtles for use as food and (less commonly) as pets in parts of Asia. Additionally, their habitat is threatened by land conversion for agriculture.

It prefers shallow water, and spends much time soaking in the margins. When out of the water it generally remains hidden amongst vegetation, but on occasions may be spotted basking in the sun on open ground. The species is mainly herbivorous, but will also feed opportunistically on freshwater invertebrates and fishes.

The Red list Assessment : 

Cota, M., Horne, B.D. & Shepherd, C. 2021 (Heosemys grandis) Giant Asian Pond Turtle is in The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Testudines

Suborder : Cryptodira

Superfamily : Testudinoidea

Family : Geoemydidae

Genus : Heosemys

Species : H. grandis

Binomial name : Heosemys grandis

(Gray, 1860)

Synonyms :

Geoemyda grandis Gray, 1860

Clemmys grandis Strauch, 1862

Heosemys grandis Stejneger, 1902

Asian box turtles are turtles of the genus Cuora in the family Geoemydidae. Genus Cuora is distributed from China to Indonesia and the Philippines, throughout mainland Southeast Asia, and into northern India and Bhutan.

Cuora species are characterized by a low- (e.g. Cuora pani) to high- (e.g. Cuora picturata) domed shell, which usually has three keels on the carapace. They are reddish, yellowish, brown, grey, andor black in color.

Some species have bright yellow, black, orange, or white stripes down the length of their keels. Their body color is highly variable, but usually very intense. Most species show stripes of variable color down either side of their heads, which usually meet at the nose.

Asian box turtles are terrestrial, semiaquatic, or mainly aquatic, most spending much of their time on the edge of shallow swamps, streams, or ponds that are dense with vegetation. Most are omnivorous, but

carnivores do occur. Asian box turtles are the most heavily trafficked turtles in the world.

The Amboina box turtle or Southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis kamaroma) is a Subspecies of Asian box turtle. In Thai: เต่าหับ, dtao haab. It is native to the Asian mainland from northeast India, through Bangladesh, Burma and Thailand, across Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. It is also found on the archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines.

The type locality is "Amboine" (or "Amboina") Island, today Ambon Island in Indonesia. These turtles have blackish-brown to olive-brown colored shells that are not as ornate as many other box turtles. All have a blackish-olive head, the plastron (the bony plates on the underside) have a hinge-line which allows the entire animal to withdraw inside the fully closed shell. The species is best identified by the arrangement of the three yellow striped lines on the head.

The male can be identified by his slightly concave plastron. There is no specific rule as to what the underbellies may look like, for either sex. In addition, scutes and growth rings are a poor indicator of age (similar to tree rings, but less accurate) the only reliable method of estimating a turtle’s age is to evaluate the overall texture and wear of the shell, as growth rings form irregularly.

There are four subspecies that are primarily differentiated by differences in the color and shape of the carapace :

• Cuora amboinensis amboinensis (Wallacean box turtle) – eastern Indonesian islands : Ambon Island, Sulawesi, the Moluccas, Buru, Seram, and East Timor, and other small islands in the region.

Has a quite flat shell with flared marginal scutes. The plastron has bigger black spots, and it possesses a bigger head, well adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. For individuals suspected to be of this subspecies : Ratio of carapace length / height: 3.08. Average ratio dimensions of plastron spots: 1.21 (almost circular)

• Cuora amboinensis couro (West Indonesian box turtle) (Schweigger, 1812) – south Indonesian islands : Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sumbawa.

Moderately domed carapace, some individuals possess flared marginal scutes. The plastron shows black markings on every plastral scute. Darker in coloration, more oval black spots on the plastron.

• Cuora amboinensis kamaroma (Malayan box turtle or domed Malayan box turtle) Rummler & Fritz, 1991

Mainland Indochina (South and. Central Vietnam, southern Laos and Cambodia), Thailand (Phang Nga Province, etc.), Singapore and mainland Malaysia and Borneo.

High domed carapace and smaller, more elongated plastron with less black spots than the other subspecies. It has a smaller and shorter tail compared to the other subspecies and does not have any flares in the marginal scutes. Average ratio of carapace length / height: 2.82. Average ratio dimensions of plastron spots : 2.14 (small and elongated)

 • Cuora amboinensis lineata (Burmese box turtle) McCord & Philippen, 1998 – Myanmar.

Resembles Cuora amboinensis kamaroma, but in the carapace there is a bright colored mid-dorsal line, and sometimes a bright colored lateral line. The plastral scutes possess large black spots similar to Cuora amboinensis couro.

C. amboinensis kamaroma has hybridized in captivity with the Vietnamese pond turtle a species nearly extinct in the wild – and with males of the Chinese pond turtle (Chinemys reevesii). Other hybrids are known, like C. amboinensis × Cuora trifasciata.

They are omnivorous, with younger turtles tending towards more meat consumption and older turtles eating a more herbivorous diet.

Although Cuora amboinensis is classified as endangered by the IUCN, they are able to thrive in some areas of the world which they can be found in the storm drains of Brunei. These are seriously polluted, and yet seem to be extremely popular habitat for these turtles and other animals that can withstand eutrophication. In some places, this species is hunted for use in folk medicine.

Cuora amboinensis can be quite difficult to breed in captivity, compared with other box turtles. These turtles have a mating ritual very similar to that of other box turtles. No courtship occurs, the male simply climbs upon the female. He then snaps at her head, so that she closes the front half of her shell, opening the back.

Cuora amboinensis is one of the most heavily traded species in Southeast Asia, captured from the wild in huge numbers to supply demand for pets, meat and for use in traditional medicines. Indonesia is the greatest source of this species and while there are quotas in place, these quotas are regularly exceeded.

Once common across much of its range, the Amboina box turtle has undergone a rapid population decline in many areas. In 2020 it was classified as Endangered by the IUCN. The primary threat is capture for local consumption, export to China for food and traditional medicine, and export for the pet trade in the United 

States and Europe.

Although it is adaptable to human-modified landscapes, habitat destruction is still considered a threat in some areas.

Southeast Asian Box Turtle Cuora amboinensis has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018. Cuora amboinensis is listed as Endangered under criteria A2d.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Testudines

Suborder : Cryptodira

Superfamily : Testudinoidea

Family : Geoemydidae

Genus : Cuora

Species : C. amboinensis

Daudin, 1802

Subspecies : Cuora amboinensis kamarora

Rummler & Fritz 1991

Gekko is a genus of Southeast Asian geckos, commonly known as true geckos or calling geckos, in the family Gekkonidae.

Although species such as Gekko gecko (tokay gecko) are very widespread and common, some species in the same genus have a very small range and are considered rare or endangered.

Gekko monarchus, also called the spotted house gecko, is a species of gecko found in the Malay Peninsula (including southern Thailand and Singapore), some smaller Malaysian islands, Borneo (Brunei, East Malaysia and Kalimantan), the Philippines, many Indonesian islands including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and New Guinea (Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea).

This lizard has the typical body build of the genus Gekko - it appears flat and has a rough skin with small bumps on its back. Their tails regenerate once dropped, as with most gecko species. The regenerated tail will never look the same as the original (it has a different texture and slightly odd color)

Similar to common house geckos and dtellas, males make quiet clicking sounds when courting a female; both sexes are capable of chirping and "barking". When startled or alarmed, the gecko waves its tail quickly and may breathe heavily, making a sound not unlike hissing.

They have a W spot on the backs of their heads, typical for this species. Monarch geckos are strictly insectivorous, feeding on various types of insects (roaches, crickets, flies, spiders, even wasps).

Gekko monarchus is easily identified by the pairs of black spots along its ventral surface, and by the black 'W' at the back of the neck. This nocturnal species occurs in lowland forest, both primary and secondary, as well as rock crevices, old buildings and road culverts.

Its eggs are laid in pairs in the leaf litter or rotting logs, or else adhered to walls or other man-made structures.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Gekko

Species : G. monarchus

Binomial name : Gekko monarchus

(Schlegel, 1836)

Lepidodactylus is a large genus of geckos, commonly known as scaly-toed geckos and closely related to house geckos or dtellas. Species in the genus Lepidodactylus are found from Southeast Asia to Indo-Australia and Oceania.

Lepidodactylus lugubris, known as the mourning gecko or common smooth-scaled gecko, is a species of lizard, a gecko of the family Gekkonidae. Lepidodactylus lugubris measure 8.5-10 cm in length including tail (4-4.4 cm snout-to-vent). 

L. lugubris is cryptically coloured, typically light to dark tan with dark spots down the length of its back and a brown strip from the ear to the tip of the nose. Its dorsal surface and its tail is patterned with complex, wavy bars. Juveniles are more boldly patterned with pale barring and mottling on the dorsal surface, and regular barring on top of the tail.

This species is capable of changing color, and so the same individual may appear light or dark at different times during the day.

Species of L. lugubris is nearly all female, and reproduces via parthenogenesis. While males occasionally occur, they are very rare and often sterile.

Females lay 1-2 eggs at a time, eggs are laid either in the soil, or adhered to the foliage of mangrove and or glue them to surfaces in protected locations. Clutches are laid every 4-6 weeks.

L. lugubris are omnivorous. In the wild, they eat a varied diet of insects, fruit, and pollen, occasionally it is kept as pets due to their simple care requirements and social nature.

The species is well distributed throughout much of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Lombok, Sulawesi, Halmahera, Ambon, the Philippines and New Guinea.

Because they are parthenogenic, these geckos reproduce well in captivity and thus most individuals kept as pets are captive-bred.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Lepidodactylus

Species : L. lugubris

Binomial name : Lepidodactylus lugubris

(Duméril & Bibron, 1836)

Siebenrockiella is a small genus of black marsh turtles. It used to be monotypic but now has two species with the addition of the Philippine forest turtle (moved from the genus Heosemys).

The genus was originally erected in 1869 by John Edward Gray under the name Bellia, commemorating Thomas Bell, but this name is a junior homonym of Bellia Milne-Edwards, 1848, a crustacean genus.

The replacement name, Siebenrockiella, was published in 1929 by Wassili Adolfovitch Lindholm, and commemorates Friedrich Siebenrock.

Siebenrockiella crassicollis (commonly known as black marsh turtle, smiling terrapin, and Siamese temple turtle, among others) is a freshwater turtle endemic to Southeast Asia. It is one of two species classified under the genus Siebenrockiella in the family Geoemydidae.

Black marsh turtles are small to medium-sized turtles that are almost completely black except for white to yellow markings on the head. They are largely aquatic and prefer slow-moving or still bodies of water with heavy vegetation. Black marsh turtles are also commonly kept as pets and as sacred animals in Southeast Asian Buddhist.

They are classified as endangered by the IUCN, being one of the several Southeast Asian turtle species heavily exploited for the international wildlife trade, particularly for food and traditional medicine in the Chinese markets.

Formerly under the genus Emys, black marsh turtles are now classified under Siebenrockiella. They were first described by the British zoologist John Edward Gray from three specimens from the collections of Thomas Bell.

Black marsh turtles used to be monotypic within the genus Siebenrockiella until Diesmos et al. (2005) showed based on genetic studies and morphology, that the recently rediscovered and critically endangered Philippine forest turtles, until that time known as Heosemys leytensis, were actually very closely related. Philippine forest turtles were subsequently reassigned to Siebenrockiella under the subgenus Panyaenemys.

They are classified under the subfamily Geoemydinae under the family Geoemydidae. Black marsh turtles are cryptodires, having the ability to pull their heads straight back into the shells; instead of folding their necks sideways along the body like in pleurodiran turtles.

The specific epithet "crassicollis" comes from Latin crassus ("thick") and collum ("neck"). The generic name was coined in honor of the Austrian zoologist Friedrich Siebenrock.

Siebenrockiella crassicollis are known by a variety of vernacular names among hobbyists, such as black terrapin, black mud turtle, Malaysian black mud turtle, fat-headed turtle, thick-necked turtle, and Borneo black leaf turtle. They are also known as kura-kura pipi-putih in Indonesian.

Adult black marsh turtles are usually small to medium-sized, averaging at around 17 cm (6.7 in) in length and rarely exceeding 20 cm (7.9 in).

Some individuals, however, are known to grow to twice this size. The ovoid carapace (the dorsal shell) is widest just behind the middle portion, with a strongly serrated posterior margin. A prominent central ridge (known as keels) also runs through the middle of the carapace. Two lateral keels are present as well, though they are not always visible. The carapace is almost entirely black or dark brown with black radiating patterns.

The plastron (the ventral shell) is not hinged and has a shallow U-shaped notch in the pair of anal scutes.

The bridge (the parts connecting the abdominal and pectoral scutes of the plastron to the carapace) is approximately the same length as the rear part of the plastron (consisting of the femoral and anal scutes). Both the bridge and the plastron can be entirely black, dark brown, or yellowish with splotches or patterns of darker colors.

The forelimbs are covered with large transverse scales. Both the forelimbs and the hind limbs are webbed, reflecting their largely aquatic habits. The necks of black marsh turtles are characteristically thick, forming a collar around the head when it is retracted into the shell.

All of the limbs, the tail, and the neck are dark gray to black. The head is broad with a short upwardly pointed snout. It is mostly black on top with cream to yellow markings around the eyes and at the throat. It also has a pair of pale white to yellow spots just behind the tympanum, usually hidden behind the folds of the neck.

The powerful jaws are pale yellow to pale brown in color and curves upwards, earning it the charming name of smiling terrapin.

Black marsh turtles are sexually dimorphic. Males have concave plastra in contrast to the flat plastron of females.

The markings around the eyes and throat, present in all juveniles, disappear among males upon reaching adulthood while they are retained in females. The tails are also longer and thicker for males than for females.

Black marsh turtles have a diploid karyotype of 52 chromosomes. They are also notable for being the first turtle shown to exhibit an XX/XY system of chromosomal sex determination, specifically with macrochromosomes. Very rare in turtles where the gender of developing embryos are usually determined by environmental temperatures.

Black marsh turtles can be found in southern Vietnam, Cambodia, southern Myanmar (Tenasserim), central and peninsular Thailand, eastern and western Malaysia, Singapore, and the Indonesian islands of Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra.

Black marsh turtles live in slow-moving or stagnant warm waters with abundant vegetation usually marshes, swamps, and ponds. As their common name implies, black marsh turtles are primarily aquatic and prefer to stay buried in soft mud when not feeding.

Black marsh turtles are predominantly carnivorous and prefer to feed underwater. They prey on insects, worms, molluscs, amphibians, crustaceans, and small fish, though they will occasionally scavenge rotting plants, fruits, or carcasses of larger animals that fall into the water. Juveniles are typically more

carnivorous than adults.

Black marsh turtles are shy creatures. Mostly aquatic and nocturnal, they will sometimes come out to land at night to forage or mate, and occasionally during the day to bask. Majority of the time they prefer to stay underwater, partially buried in mud in shallow water or swimming near the bottom in deeper still waters.

When threatened, black marsh turtles excrete a foul-smelling secretion from their cloaca to ward off would-be predators. Their powerful jaws are also capable of inflicting wounds if handled roughly.

Black marsh turtles reach sexual maturity at five years. Nesting season occurs in the summer, between April and the end of June. In courtship, males will bob their heads up and down while chasing a female. It may bite the legs of the females several times before mating.

Females will lay three or four clutches. Each clutch consisting usually of one or rarely two relatively large eggs, around 5 by 3 cm (2.0 by 1.2 in) and weighing 30 g (0.066 lb). The eggs are incubated for 68 to 84 days before hatching. The hatchlings are relatively large, measuring around 5 cm (2.0 in).

The maximum known lifespan of black marsh turtles observed in captivity is about 60 years.

Black marsh turtles are culturally important to Buddhism. In Thailand, large numbers of black marsh turtles, along with the yellow-headed temple turtles (Heosemys annandalii) are released into temple and castle ponds and cared for by Buddhist monks.

They are treated as sacred by the public, being believed to contain the souls of people who died while trying to rescue other people from drowning. One of their commons names, Siamese temple turtle, originated from this practice.

In a study in 2010, black marsh turtles were among the turtles found to contain high levels of mercury in their tissues. Their consumption as food is discouraged as they have the potential to cause mercury poisoning.

Black marsh turtles are now being captive bred both for conservation and for the pet trade. In 2004, a black marsh turtle hatched at the Bristol Zoo Gardens. It was the first of its species to successfully hatch in a European zoo. Captive bred black marsh turtles are preferable as pets, being healthier and more acclimated to handling than individuals captured from the wild and illegally exported.

Black marsh turtles are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

They are also listed on CITES Appendix II.​ Aside from signatories to CITES, Black marsh turtles are also specifically protected in Thailand under the Wild Animals Reservation Protection Act (WARPA).

General laws against the trade and/or capture of freshwater turtles or wildlife that also extend to black marsh turtles are also in place in Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Testudines

Suborder : Cryptodira

Superfamily : Testudinoidea

Family : Geoemydidae

Genus : Siebenrockiella

Species : S. crassicollis

Binomial name : Siebenrockiella crassicollis (Gray, 1831)

Segar PCN small drain.

Trionychidae is a family of turtles, commonly known as softshell turtles or simply softshells. The family was described by Leopold Fitzinger in 1826.

Softshells include some of the world's largest freshwater turtles, though many can adapt to living in highly brackish waters.

Amyda is a genus of softshell turtles in the family Trionychidae. It contains two extant species : Amyda cartilaginea - Asiatic softshell turtle and Amyda ornata - Southeast Asian softshell turtle

The Asiatic softshell turtle or black-rayed softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea) is a species of softshell turtle in the Trionychidae family. It's diet consists of insects, crustaceans, fish, vegetation and carrion.

This large freshwater turtle can be found in tropical regions, freshwater habitats, rainforest terrestrial biomes, in the aquatic biomes of lakes, ponds, canals and lowland streams and it appears to be both diurnal and nocturnal, they are exploited for trade and harvested for food. With business developing that rely on the exploitation of Amyda cartilaginea, the population of this species has declined.

Amyda cartilaginea is oviparous and polygynangrous, the male and female will each mates with several different females and males. The mating season is during hot-dry season, which lasts from April to September. However, this may vary based on the specific geographic location of each turtle. Copulation happens underwater with the male using its claws to hold the upper shell of the female.

Amyda cartilaginea builds protective nests at night in damp, sandy areas close to mud banks to lay their eggs. The incubation period ranges from 18 to 20 weeks with the size of each clutch ranging from one to 30 eggs.

Breeding typically occurs three to four times per year. Females reach sexual maturity at eight to ten years, while males reach sexual maturity at four to five years.

Amyda cartilaginea is found in Brunei, Indonesia (Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak), Singapore, and southern Thailand.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Testudines

Suborder : Cryptodira

Family : Trionychidae

Genus : Amyda

Species : A. cartilaginea

Binomial name : Amyda cartilaginea

(Boddaert, 1770)

Gekkonidae (the common geckos) is the largest family of geckos, containing over 950 described species in 64 genera. Members of the Gekkonidae comprise many of the most widespread gecko species, including house geckos (Hemidactylus), tokay geckos (Gekko), day geckos (Phelsuma), mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus) and dtellas (Gehyra). 

Gekkonid geckos occur globally and are particularly species-rich in tropical areas. They evolved probably in the Lower Cretaceous and some 100 million years ago they were already well adapted for a scansorial lifestyle. Some members of the Gekkonidae family have evolved adhesive toe pads that allow them to adhere to and climb vertical surfaces.

Many genera of the Gekkonidae family are capable of widespread geographical habitation. However, such species prefer arid regions of warmer temperature and higher precipitation.

Cnemaspis is a genus of diurnal (day) geckos found in Africa and Asia. With over 100 species, it is one of the most diverse genera of geckos. Molecular phylogenies suggest that the three regional groupings may form distinct clades which are not each other's closest relatives.

The Peninsular Rock Gecko Cnemaspis peninsularis is a species of small gecko with a cylindrical body and rough, granular skin. It exhibits a subdued coloration, primarily in shades of brown and grey with patterned dorsum and a striped providing excellent camouflage against rocky habitats. It had spiky tail which can be raised and curled over the back. The tail has whorls of tiny spines, most noticeable at the base. 

Males with or without pre-anal or femoral pores. Newborns and juveniles are similarly colored but have more vibrant patterns. The noticeable distinguishing features are its large, round eyes and its toes, which fan out into adhesive pads useful for climbing. 

Cnemaspis peninsularis the Peninsular Rock Gecko is a species of primary to secondary forest up to 1500 metres. This species mainly preferring damp cave entrances or rocky outcrops and also  tree trunks. It is largely nocturnal, but can be active on dull afternoons. Its diet consist of small invertebrates, with a tendency to favor arthropods and soft-bodied insects. 

Cnemaspis peninsularis, also known as the peninsular rock gecko, is a species of gecko from southern Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

​

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Gekkonidae

Genus : Cnemaspis

Species : C. peninsularis

Binomial name : Cnemaspis peninsularis

Grismer et al., 2014

Crocodylus is a genus of true crocodiles in the family Crocodylidae. The generic name, Crocodylus, was proposed by Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in 1768. 

Crocodylus contains 13–14 extant (living) species and 5 extinct species. There are additional extinct species attributed to the genus Crocodylus that studies have shown no longer belong, although they have not yet been reassigned to new genera.

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a crocodilian native to saltwater habitats and brackish wetlands from India's east coast across Southeast Asia and the Sundaic region to northern Australia and Micronesia. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 1996. 

It was hunted for its skin throughout its range up to the 1970s, and is threatened by illegal killing and habitat loss. It is regarded as dangerous for people who share the same environment. The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile and crocodilian known to science.

​Males grow to a length of up to 6 m (20 ft), rarely exceeding 6.3 m (21 ft) or a weight of 1,000–1,300 kg (2,200–2,900 lb). Females are much smaller and rarely surpass 3 m (10 ft). It is also known as the estuarine crocodile, Indo-Pacific crocodile, marine crocodile, sea crocodile or informally as saltie.

The saltwater crocodile is a large and opportunistic hypercarnivorous apex predator. It ambushes most of its prey and then drowns or swallows it whole. It is capable of prevailing over almost any animal that enters its territory, including other apex predators such as sharks, varieties of freshwater and saltwater fish including pelagic species, invertebrates such as crustaceans, various reptiles, birds and mammals, including humans.

Crocodylus porosus the saltwater crocodile has a wide snout compared to most crocodiles. However, it has a longer snout than the mugger crocodile (C. palustris); its length is twice its width at the base. A pair of ridges runs from the eyes along the centre of the snout. The scales are oval in shape and the scutes are either small compared to other species or commonly are entirely absent. In addition, an obvious gap is also present between the cervical and dorsal shields, and small, triangular scutes are present between the posterior edges of the large, transversely arranged scutes in the dorsal shield. 

The relative lack of scutes is considered an asset useful to distinguish saltwater crocodiles in captivity or in illicit leather trading, as well as in the few areas in the field where sub-adult or younger saltwater crocodiles may need to be distinguished from other crocodiles. It has fewer armour plates on its neck than other crocodilians.

The adult saltwater crocodile's broad body contrasts with that of most other lean crocodiles, leading to early unverified assumptions the reptile was an alligator. Young saltwater crocodiles are pale yellow in colour with black stripes and spots on their bodies and tails. This colouration lasts for several years until the crocodiles mature into adults. 

The colour as an adult is much darker greenish-drab, with a few lighter tan or grey areas sometimes apparent. Several colour variations are known and some adults may retain fairly pale skin, whereas others may be so dark as to appear blackish. The ventral surface is white or yellow in colour in saltwater crocodiles of all ages. Stripes are present on the lower sides of their bodies, but do not extend onto their bellies. Their tails are grey with dark bands.

The weight of a crocodile increases approximately cubically as length increases (see square-cube law). This explains why individuals at 6 m (20 ft) weigh more than twice that of individuals at 5 m (16 ft).

In crocodiles, linear growth eventually decreases and they start getting bulkier at a certain point. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest extant riparian predators in the world. However, they start life fairly small. Newly hatched saltwater crocodiles measure about 28 cm (11 in) long and weigh an average of 71 g (2 1⁄2 oz). These sizes and ages are almost identical to those at average sexual maturity in Nile crocodiles, despite that average adult male saltwater crocodiles are considerably larger than average adult male Nile crocodiles.

The size of an adult male saltwater crocodile, from young adults to older individuals, typically ranges 3.5 to 6 m (11 ft 6 in to 19 ft 8 in) in length and weighs 200 to 1,000 kg (440 to 2,200 lb). 

On average, adult males range 4.3 to 4.9 m (14 ft 1 in to 16 ft 1 in) in length and weigh 408 to 522 kg (899 to 1,151 lb). However average size largely depends on the location, habitat, and human interactions, thus changes from one study to another, when figures of each study are viewed separately.

The adult females typically measure from 2.7 to 3.1 m (8 ft 10 in to 10 ft 2 in) in total length and weigh 76 to 103 kg (168 to 227 lb). Large mature females reach 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in) and weigh up to 120 to 200 kg (260 to 440 lb). The largest female on record measured about 4.3 m (14 ft 1 in) in total length. Female are thus similar in size to other species of large crocodiles and average slightly smaller than females of some other species, at least the Nile crocodile.

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) has the greatest size sexual dimorphism, by far, of any extant crocodilian, as males average about 4 to 5 times as massive as adult females and can sometimes measure twice her total length. The reason for the male skewered dimorphism in this species is not definitively known but might be correlated with sex-specific territoriality and the need for adult male saltwater crocodiles to monopolise large stretches of habitat. 

Due to the extreme sexual dimorphism of the species as contrasted with the more modest size dimorphism of other species, the average length of the species is only slightly more than some other extant crocodilians at 3.8–4 m (12 ft 6 in–13 ft 1 in). The saltwater crocodile inhabits coastal brackish mangrove swamps and river deltas.

Because of its tendency to swim long distances at sea, individual saltwater crocodiles appeared occasionally in areas far away from their general range. Saltwater crocodiles generally spend the tropical wet season in freshwater swamps and rivers, moving downstream to estuaries in the dry season.

The primary behaviour to distinguish the saltwater crocodile from other crocodiles is its tendency to occupy salt water. Though other crocodiles also have salt glands that enable them to survive in saltwater, a trait which alligators do not possess, most other species do not venture out to sea except during extreme conditions.

Saltwater crocodiles use ocean currents to travel long distances and mate in the wet season, laying eggs in a nest consisting of a mound of mud and vegetation. The female guards the nest and hatchlings from predators.

Generally very lethargic, a trait which helps it survive months at a time without food, the saltwater crocodile will usually loiter in the water or bask in the sun during much of the day, preferring to hunt at night.

Saltwater crocodiles, however, are among the most active of all crocodilians, spending more time cruising and active, especially in water. Despite their relative lethargy, saltwater crocodiles are agile predators and display surprising agility and speed when necessary, usually during strikes at prey.

​They can also swim at 24 to 29 km/h (15 to 18 mph) in short bursts, around three times as fast as the fastest human swimmers, but when cruising, they usually travel at 3 to 5 km/h (2 to 3 mph).

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Crocodilia

Family : Crocodylidae

Genus : Crocodylus

Species : C. porosus

Binomial name : Crocodylus porosus

Schneider, 1801

Draco is a genus of agamid lizards that are also known as flying lizards, flying dragons or gliding lizards. These lizards are capable of gliding flight via membranes that may be extended to create wings (patagia), formed by a support structure from an enlarged set of ribs. They are arboreal insectivores, primarily feeding on eusocial insects such as ants and termites and can be found across Southeast Asia and Southern India and are fairly common in forests, areca gardens, teak plantations and shrub jungle.

The size of Draco species varies substantially, with adults ranging from 3 grams (0.11 oz) to over 35 grams (1.2 oz) in body mass and from 15–40 centimetres (5.9–15.7 in) in total length (or 6–15 centimetres (2.4–5.9 in) including only the head and body, a measurement called the snout-vent length).

They are sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. Members of Draco are primarily arboreal, inhabiting tropical rainforests. The colour of the patagium is strongly correlated to the colour of falling leaves in their range, which complements their cryptic camouflage resembling tree bark; both are likely to be camouflage against predatory birds.

The lizards are well known for their "display structures" and ability to glide long distances using their wing-like, patagial membranes supported by elongated thoracic ribs to generate lift forces. The hindlimbs in cross section form a streamlined and contoured airfoil, and are also probably involved in generating lift. Gliding is both used to escape predators, and as the primary means of moving through their forest habitat. The folding and unfolding of the membrane is controlled by the iliocostalis and intercostal muscles, which in other lizards are used to control breathing.

Draco lizards are highly territorial, with the home range consisting of one or a few trees. The trees are actively guarded by males, with territory-less males searching the forest landscape in search of vacant areas.

Draco sumatranus, the common gliding lizard was formerly considered a sub-species of Draco volans. ​It is a species of agamid lizard endemic to Southeast Asia. It has elongated ribs and skin flaps on the sides of its body. When opened, these skin flaps allow it to glide between tree trunks. They are found in Southeast Asia : Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Palawan.

Draco sumatranus are relatively common in forests and in urban settings such as parks and gardens. It is primarily a tree dweller, except that the females come down to the forest floor to lay eggs.

The body length is of about 9 cm (3.5 in), with a slightly longer tail. The body is of a dark grey brown colouration with stripes and patterns to help it camouflage against the tree trunks.

The males have a yellow triangular flap of skin under the chin, the gular fold, which is used to communicate with other lizards, mostly for mating. Females have a much smaller and blue flap. They feed on small insects. Usually ants and termites. They are relatively common in forests and in urban settings such as parks and gardens.

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Draco

Species : D.sumatranus

Binomial name : Draco sumatranus

Schlegel, 1844

Shot at Sungei Tengah : June 2018

The Iguanidae is a family of lizards composed of the iguanas, chuckwallas, and their prehistoric relatives, including the widespread green iguana.

Iguana is a genus of herbivorous lizards that are native to tropical areas of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The genus was first described by Austrian naturalist J.N. Laurenti in 1768. 

Two species are placed in the genus : The green iguana, which is widespread throughout its range and a popular pet; and the Lesser Antillean iguana, which is native to the Lesser Antilles. Genetic analysis indicates that the green iguana may comprise a complex of multiple species, some of which have been recently described, but the Reptile Database considers all of these as subspecies of the green iguana.

The green iguana (Iguana iguana), also known as the American iguana, is a large, arboreal, mostly herbivorous species of lizard of the genus Iguana. Usually, this animal is simply called the iguana.

​The green iguana ranges over a large geographic area; it is native from southern Brazil and Paraguay as far north as Mexico and the Caribbean islands, and have been introduced from South America to Puerto Rico and are very common throughout the island, where they are colloquially known as gallina de palo ("bamboo chicken" or "chicken of the trees") and considered an invasive species; in the United States, feral populations also exist in South Florida (including the Florida Keys), Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

A herbivore lizard, it has adapted significantly with regard to locomotion and osmoregulation as a result of its diet. It grows to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in length from head to tail, although a few specimens have grown more than 2 metres (6.6 ft) with bodyweights upward of 20 pounds (9.1 kg).

Commonly found in captivity as a pet due to its calm disposition and bright colors, it can be very demanding to care for properly. Space requirements and the need for special lighting and heat can prove challenging to the hobbyist.

​The native range of the green iguana extends from southern Mexico to central Brazil, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, and Bolivia and the Caribbean; specifically Grenada, Aruba, Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Útila. They have been introduced to Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Furthermore, green iguanas colonised the island of Anguilla in 1995 after being washed ashore following a hurricane. Though the species is not native to Martinique, a small wild colony of released or escaped green iguanas endures at historic Fort Saint Louis. Green iguanas are diurnal, arboreal, and are often found near water.

An agile climbers, iguana can fall up to 50 feet (15 m) and land unhurt, iguanas use their hind leg claws to clasp leaves and branches to break a fall.

During cold, wet weather, green iguanas prefer to stay on the ground for greater warmth. When swimming, an iguana remains submerged, letting its four legs hang limply against its side. They propel through the water with powerful tail strokes.

In South and Central America, where the green iguana is native, it is an endangered species in some countries because people have been hunting and eating this gallino de palo ("bamboo chicken" or "chicken of the trees") for a long time.

Despite their name, green iguanas can come in different colours and types. In southern countries of their range, such as Peru, green iguanas appear bluish in colour with bold blue markings.

On islands such as Bonaire, Curaçao, Aruba, and Grenada, a green iguana's colour may range from green to lavender, black, and even reddish brown.

Green iguanas from the western region of Costa Rica are red, and animals of the northern ranges, such as Mexico, appear orange.

Juvenile green iguanas from El Salvador are often bright blue as babies, but they lose this color as they get older.

Adult iguanas found on most of St. Lucia, mainly on the northeastern coast, Louvette and Grand Anse, have many differences from other green iguana populations. They are light green with predominant black stripes. Instead of the typical orange dewlap, the iguanas of St. Lucia have a black dewlap.

When compared to the common green iguana, females lay about half the amount of eggs, 25 instead of 50.

Scales to the back of their head, near the jawbone, are smaller. Their iris is white or cream, whereas other green iguanas have yellow irises.

Green iguanas possess a row of spines along their backs and along their tails, which helps to protect them from predators. Their whip-like tails can be used to deliver painful strikes and like many other lizards, when grabbed by the tail, the iguana can allow it to break, so it can escape and eventually regenerate a new one. In addition, iguanas have a well-developed dewlap, which helps regulate their body temperature. This dewlap is used in courtships and territorial displays.

​Green iguanas have excellent vision, enabling them to detect shapes and motions at long distances. As green iguanas have only a few rod cells, they have poor vision in low-light conditions. At the same time, they have cells called “double cone cells” that give them sharp color vision and enable them to see ultraviolet wavelengths. This ability is highly useful when basking so the animal can ensure that it absorbs enough sunlight in the forms of UVA and UVB to produce vitamin D.

Green iguanas have a white photosensory organ on the top of their heads called the parietal eye (also called the third eye, pineal eye or pineal gland), in contrast to most other lizards that have lost this primitive feature. This "eye" has only a rudimentary retina and lens and cannot form images, but is sensitive to changes in light and dark and can detect movement. This helps the iguana detect predators stalking it from above.

Green iguanas have very sharp teeth that are capable of shredding leaves and even human skin. These teeth are shaped like a leaf, broad and flat, with serrations on the edge. The similarity of these teeth to those of one of the first dinosaurs discovered led to the dinosaur being named Iguanodon, meaning "iguana tooth", and the incorrect assumption that it had resembled a gigantic iguana. The teeth are situated on the inner sides of the jawbones, which is why they are hard to see in smaller specimens.

Primarily herbivorous, green iguanas are presented with a special problem for osmoregulation; plant matter contains more potassium and as it has less nutritional content per gram, more must be eaten to meet metabolic needs.

​As green iguanas are not capable of creating liquid urine more concentrated than their bodily fluids, like birds they excrete nitrogenous wastes as urate salts through a salt gland. As a result, green iguanas have developed a lateral nasal gland to supplement renal salt secretion by expelling excess potassium and sodium chloride.

Green iguanas from Guatemala and southern Mexico predominantly have small horns on their snouts between their eyes and their nostrils, whereas others do not.

Naturalists once classified these iguanas as a separate subspecies (Iguana iguana rhinolopha); however, this classification has been found to be invalid based on mitochondrial DNA and iguanas with similar nose projections appearing randomly in other populations and interbreeding freely with those that do not share this trait.

​

The green iguana is a large lizard and is probably the largest species in the iguana family, though a few in the genus Cyclura may match or exceed it in weight. Adults typically grow to 1.2 to 1.7 m (3.9 to 5.6 ft) in length from head to tail. As in all iguanas, the tail comprises much of this length, and the snout-to-vent length of most green iguanas is 30 to 42 cm (12 to 17 in).

An average adult male will weigh around 4 kg (8.8 lb) while the smaller adult female will typically weigh 1.2 to 3 kg (2.6 to 6.6 lb). A few large males can reach or exceed 6 to 8 kg (13 to 18 lb) in weight and 2 m (6.6 ft) long.

​Some specimens have even reportedly been measured at a body weight of greater than 20 lb (9.1 kg).

Male green iguanas have highly developed femoral pores on the underside of their thighs which secrete a scent (females have femoral pores, but they are smaller in comparison to those of the males). In addition, the dorsal spines that run along a green iguana's back are noticeably longer and thicker in males than they are in females, making the animals somewhat sexually dimorphic.

Male green iguanas tend to display more dominant behaviors, such as head bobbing and tail whipping. They also tend to develop a taller dorsal crest than females, as well as taller dorsal spines (or spikes). Large, round, very pronounced jowls are generally a male characteristic. Jowls are located under the jaw and are protected by the subtympanic plate, which is a large, green, circular-shaped scale.

Green iguanas are oviparous, with females laying clutches of 20 to 71 eggs once per year during a synchronized nesting period. The female green iguana gives no parental protection after egg laying, apart from defending the nesting burrow during excavation.

In Panama, the green iguana has been observed sharing nest sites with American crocodiles and in Honduras with spectacled caimans. The hatchlings emerge from the nest after 10–15 weeks of incubation. Once hatched, the young iguanas look similar to the adults in color and shape, resembling adult females more so than males and lacking dorsal spines.

​

Juveniles stay in familial groups for the first year of their lives. Male green iguanas in these groups often use their own bodies to shield and protect females from predators and it appears to be the only species of reptile which does this.

When frightened by a predator, green iguanas will attempt to flee and, if near a body of water, dive into it and swim away. If cornered by a threat, the green iguana will extend and display the dewlap under its neck, stiffen and puff up its body, hiss, and bob its head at the aggressor. If the threat persists, the iguana can lash with its tail, bite and use its claws in defense. The wounded are more inclined to fight than uninjured prey.

Green iguanas use "head bobs" and dewlaps in a variety of ways in social interactions, such as greeting another iguana or to court a possible mate. The frequency and number of head bobs have particular meanings to other iguanas.

Green iguanas are hunted by predatory birds and their fear of these is exploited as a ploy to catch them in the wild. The sound of a hawk's whistle or scream makes the iguana boogie dance and it becomes easier to capture.

Green iguanas are primarily herbivores, with captives feeding on leaves such as turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, flowers, fruit, and growing shoots of upwards of 100 different species of plant. In Panama, one of the green iguana's favorite foods is the wild plum (Spondias mombin).

Although they will consume a wide variety of foods if offered, green iguanas are naturally herbivorous and require a precise ratio of minerals (2 to 1 calcium to phosphorus) in their diet. It is important for captive iguanas to have a variety of leafy greens along with fruits and vegetables such as turnip greens, collards, butternut squash, acorn squash, mango, and parsnip.

Juvenile iguanas often eat feces from adults in order to acquire the essential microflora to digest their low-quality and hard-to-process vegetarian-only diet.

There is some debate as to whether captive green iguanas should be fed animal protein. There is evidence of wild iguanas eating grasshoppers and tree snails, usually as a byproduct of eating plant material.

Wild adult green iguanas have been observed eating birds' eggs. Zoologists, such as Adam Britton, believe that such a diet containing protein is unhealthy for the animal's digestive system, resulting in severe long-term health damage, including kidney failure and leading to premature death.

On the other side of the argument is that green iguanas at the Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne, Florida, have been observed eating dead fish and individuals kept in captivity have been known to eat mice without any ill effects.

​De Vosjoli writes that captive animals have been known to survive and thrive on eating nothing but whole rodent block, or monkey chow, and one instance of romaine lettucewith vitamin and calcium supplements. However, it is only recommended that captive iguanas not be fed lettuce or meat, and instead receive the vitamins and minerals they need via a purely herbivorous diet.

​Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Suborder: Iguania

Family: Iguanidae

Genus: Iguana

Species: I. iguana

Binomial name : Iguana iguana

Shot at Lower Peirce Reservoir

Bronchocela is a genus of Asian lizards, commonly known as bloodsuckers, crested lizards, and forest lizards, in the family Agamidae.

Bronchocela cristatella, also known as the green crested lizard, is a species of agamid lizard endemic to Southeast Asia. B. cristatella is found in Malaysia (West Malaysia and Borneo), Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines (Palawan, Calamian Islands, Panay, Luzon), South Thailand, south Myanmar (Tenasserim Hills), and India (Nicobar Islands).

This species is a bright green lizard, sometimes possessing a blue tint on the head. It is able to change colour, turning darker brown when threatened. There is a dark ring around each eye, and a dark spot at the back of the head.

The males have a crest on the neck. It has a very long and thin tail (75% of total length). The body length is of 13 cm (5.1 in), and the total length (body + tail) is of 57 cm (22 in).

B. cristatella inhabits a variety of environments, including primary and secondary tropical forest, rural gardens and urban parklands, where it remains predominantly arboreal, leaping agilely among tree branches and clinging to vegetation with slender toes. It is insectivorous, foraging for prey such as insects on tree trunks and foliage. 

B. cristatella displays notable sexual dimorphism, with males often more vibrantly colored and crested during breeding seasons, and it can produce warning displays involving color changes and crest erection. In Singapore the range of B. cristatella is declining, as it is in competition with the introduced species Calotes versicolor (changeable lizard).

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Bronchocela

Species : B. cristatella

Binomial name : Bronchocela cristatella

(Kuhl, 1820)

Calotes is a genus of lizards in the draconine clade of the family Agamidae. The genus contains 29 species. Some species are known as forest lizards, others as "bloodsuckers" due to their red heads, and yet others (namely C. versicolor) as garden lizards. The genus name Calotes has been derived from the Greek word Καλότης (Kalótës), meaning ‘beauty’, referring to the beautiful pattern of this genus.

Species in the genus Calotes are native to South Asia, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia and Ambon. Additionally, C. versicolor has been introduced to Florida (USA), Borneo, Sulawesi, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Oman. The greatest species richness of the genus is from the Western Ghats, northeast India, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Calotes is distinguished from related genera in having uniform-sized dorsal scales, and lacking a fold of skin extending between the cheek and shoulder, and having proportionately stronger limbs than Pseudocalotes. 

Compared to Bronchocela, Calotes have a proportionately shorter tail and limbs. Calotes as we know it today was classified by Moody (1980) prior to which all of the above-mentioned genera were included in this genus.

The oriental garden lizard, eastern garden lizard, bloodsucker or changeable lizard (Calotes versicolor) is an agamid lizard found widely distributed in indo-Malaya. It has also been introduced in many other parts of the world.

​The lizard has a spiny back. It is an insectivore and the male gets a bright red throat in the breeding season.

The coloration is very variable, sometimes uniform brownish or greyish-olive or yellowish. Generally broad brown bands across the back, interrupted by a yellowish lateral band. 

Black streaks radiate from the eye, and some of them are continued over the throat, running obliquely backwards, belly frequently with greyish longitudinal stripes, one along the median line being the most distinct; young and half-grown specimens have a dark, black-edged band across the inter-orbital region.

The ground-colour is generally a light brownish olive, but the lizard can change it to bright red, to black, and to a mixture of both. This change is sometimes confined to the head, at other times diffused over the whole body and tail. Breeding-season, which falls in the months of May and June.

The female lays from five to sixteen soft oval eggs, about 5/8 of an inch long, in hollows of trees, or in holes in the soil which they have burrowed, afterward covering them up. The young appear in about eight or nine weeks.

In a hot sunny day a solitary Bloodsucker may be seen on a twig or on a wall, basking in the sun, with mouth wide open. After a shower of rain numbers of them are seen to come down on the ground and pick up the larva and small insects which fall from the trees during the showers.

During the breeding season, the male's head and shoulders turns bright orange to crimson and his throat black. Males also turn red-headed after a successful battle with rivals. Both males and females have a crest from the head to nearly the tail, hence their other common name "Crested Tree Lizard".

​

Changeable Lizards are related to iguanas (which are found only in the New World). Unlike other lizards, they do not drop their tails (autotomy), and their tails can be very long, stiff and pointy. Like other reptiles, they shed their skins. Like chameleons, Changeable Lizards can move each of their eyes in different directions.

The lizards were introduced to Singapore from Malaysia and Thailand in the 1980s. In Singapore, they are a threat to the native Green-Crested Lizard. The Changeable Lizard is relatively common and found in a wide range of habitats. They appear to adapt well to humans and are thus not endangered. They are commonly found among the undergrowth in open habitats including highly urban areas.

​Changeable Lizards eat mainly insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, ants and small vertebrates, including rodents and other lizards. Although they have teeth, these are designed for gripping prey and not tearing it up. So prey is swallowed whole, after it is stunned by shaking it about. Sometimes, young inexperienced Changeable Lizards may choke on prey which are too large. Occasionally changeable lizards also consume vegetable matter.

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Iguania

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Calotes

Species : C. versicolor

Binomial name : Calotes versicolor

Eutropis is a genus of skinks belonging to the subfamily Mabuyinae. For long, this genus was included in the "wastebin taxon" Mabuya; it contains the Asian mabuyas. They often share their habitat with the related common skinks (Sphenomorphus), but they do not compete significantly as their ecological niches differ.

This genus also contains the only member of the subfamily to occur in Australasia, the many-lined sun skink (Eutropis multifasciata), whose wide range includes New Guinea.

They are mid-sized to largish lizards with cylindrical bodies, tails of medium length, and well-developed arms and legs; the hands and feet have 5 toes each. Their cycloid scales are underlaid by osteoderms; the scales on the back and belly are similar in shape, but those on the back are keeled.

The scales on the top of the head are generally flat and subimbricate; they have a pair of supranasal scales and the frontoparietal and prefrontal scales are paired or fused. The second supraocular scale is the hindmost one that contacts the frontal scale, and the tertiary temporal scale extends forward to separate the secondary temporal scales. The nasal scale is undivided.

Eutropis multifasciata, commonly known as the East Indian brown mabuya, many-lined sun skink, many-striped skink, common sun skink or (ambiguously) as golden skink, is a species of skink that inhabits an extensive range from India and southern China to southern Indonesia.

Eutropis multifasciata is a species of skink that often shows prominent coloured dorsal bands. They have a number of other distinctive features that allows this species to be distinguished from other species, particularly in the detail of the arrangement of their scales. Their snout is moderate to obtuse, and their lower eyelid is scaly, nostril is positioned behind the vertical line of the suture between the rostral and first labial scale, and it has a postnasal scale.

The anterior loreal scale is no deeper than the second, and is in contact with the first labial scale. The supranasal scales are largely in contact behind the rostral, frontonasal scale is broader than it is long, and the prefrontal scales consistently form a median suture. The frontal scale is as long as or shorter than the frontoparietals and interparietal together, and makes contact with the second (and occasionally the first) supraocular.

There are four supraoculars, the second of which is largest, and six supraciliaries, the first of which is largest. There are distinct fronto-parietal scales, larger than the interparietal, completely separating the parietals. There are a pair of nuchals and four labials anterior to the subocular, which is large and not narrower below. Its ear-opening is roundish or oval and is as large as a lateral scale, or a little smaller. The dorsal scales are more or less distinctly tricarinate, with three or rarely five ridges. The nuchal and lateral scales are usually very feebly keeled or sometimes smooth.

There are 30 to 34 scales around the middle of the body, and the dorsals are largest, hind limb reaches the wrist or the elbow of the forelimb. The subdigital lamellae are smooth. The scales on the upper surface of the tibia are mostly tricarinate. The tail is 1.3 to 1.6 times the length of the head and body. They are brown or olive above; some specimens are uniformly coloured, while others have a large whitish/red patch on either side of their bodies.

Their backs have small black spots, sometimes merging into longitudinal lines. The sides are usually dark brown, with whitish, black-edged ocelli. A well-defined light dorso-lateral band is very occasionally present, and the lower surfaces are yellowish or greenish white.

The species is widely present in southern Asia and occurs from India (Assam and the Nicobar islands) and southern China throughout continental Southeast Asia to southern Indonesia, with scattered records from New Guinea. It has been introduced to Australia and the USA.

The Many-lined Sun Skink (Eutropis multifasciata) is one of the most abundant and frequently encountered lizards in Singapore. They are ground-dwelling residents that thrive in open habitats, forest edges, and along nature park trails, this species features a robust, cylindrical body covered in keeled, incredibly glossy bronze-brown scales. 

Eutropis multifasciata exhibits sexual size dimorphism, with males being generally larger and possessing larger heads but shorter abdomens compared to females.

Eutropis multifasciata is diurnal and viviparous. Eutropis multifasciata is primarily insectivorous, it consumes a wide range of insects, including termites, cockroaches, grasshoppers, spiders, and insect larvae. It

may also feed on other invertebrates and small vertebrates contributing to its diverse diet, it is a versatile feeder showcasing opportunistic feeding habits that allow it to thrive in diverse environments. 

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family : Scincidae

Genus : Eutropis

Species : E. multifasciata

Binomial name : Eutropis multifasciata

(Kuhl, 1820)

Monitor lizards are lizards in the genus Varanus, the only extant genus in the family Varanidae. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and one species is also found in the southern United States as an invasive species. About 94 species are recognized.

The clouded monitor (Varanus nebulosus) is a diurnal species of monitor lizard, native to Myanmar, Thailand and Laos, Vietnam, to West Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Java. 

​They are excellent tree climbers. It belongs to the subgenus Empagusia along with the Bengal monitor, the Dumeril's monitor and other monitor lizards. Clouded monitors can, on occasion, grow up to 1.5 metres long. 

Monitor lizards are mostly carnivorous; some also scavenge on carrion. It can be found in forests, mangrove swamps, and even man-made canals. ​Monitor lizards feed on a huge variety of food types (eg. insects, crabs, snakes, fish, etc); they control the population of their prey, and in turn are a source of food to larger predators (eg. crocodiles).

They also play an important role as scavengers in biomass decomposition and recycling. The monitor lizard saliva contains over 50 bacteria that infect and kill their prey slowly.

The carrion meat that get stuck in the monitor’s teeth are teeming with bacteria that can cause infections in the bite wound. However, the main cause of death of preys is the venom secreted by the monitor.

Contrary to previous beliefs, most lizards do possess glands that secrete venom. While the monitor uses its venom to kill its small preys (symptoms include rapid swelling, drop in blood pressure, and blood clot inhibition), it has a relatively mild effect on humans.

​They are naturally shy and would rather stay away from humans. Like most wild animals, they do not attack unless provoked. As long as you keep your distance and leave them alone, you will be fine.

​

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Suborder : Anguimorpha

Family : Varanidae

Genus : Varanus

Subgenus : Empagusia

Species : V. nebulosus

Binomial name : Varanus nebulosus

(JE Gray, 1831) 

Synonyms :

Varanus bengalensis nebulosus