Draco mindanensis
Draco mindanensis, commonly known as the Mindanao flying dragon or Mindanao flying lizard, is a lizard species endemic to the Philippines. Characterized by a dull grayish brown body color and a vivid tangerine orange dewlap, this species is one of the largest of the genus Draco. It is diurnal, arboreal, and capable of gliding.
The Mindanao flying dragon inhabits regions of primary and secondary-growth forests. There appears to be a dependence on primary dipterocarp forest for this species' survival. D. mindanensis is noted for being a bioindicator for the forested regions of Mindanao.
Threatened heavily by deforestation, the IUCN has listed D. mindanensis as vulnerable. Currently, there are no specific conservation efforts being made to preserve the species. Rather, there are projects that target the protection of the habitats in which the Mindanao flying dragon lives.
Taxonomy
This species of flying dragon is classified under the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, and family Agamidae.Description
Characteristics
Draco mindanensis is a member of the genus Draco. Its body color is a dull grayish brown, almost sepia, with pale rounded spots. On its back, there are about five series of whitish round spots alternating with four series of larger, more conspicuous spots. The surface of this species' patagium, or the extensible fold of skin used in flight, is red in males and dusky in females. Also, D. mindanensis can be distinguished from other species of Draco in the Philippines by its larger size, mode of five ribs supporting its patagium, upward directed nostril, lack of Y-shaped series of scales on forehead, presence of lacrimal bone and dorsal body coloration of pale brown with a slight greenish case in males. In males of this species, the dewlap, or the inflatable loose skin under the throat, is large, triangular and narrow, and is vivid tangerine orange in coloration. In females, the tip of small dewlap is cream yellow.Behavior
Draco mindanensis is diurnal and arboreal. The stomach contents of D. mindanensis consist of several families of insects. However, this species is not an ant-feeding specialist like its congener, Draco volans. Near Mt. Apo on Mindanao, this species was reported in sympatry with D. bimaculatus, D. cyanopterus, and D. guentheri.Habitat
This species has been found in areas dominated by trees of the family Dipterocarpaceae in the rain forests of the Philippines. In South Cotobato, Mindanao, D. mindanensis was only found in the largest dipterocarp trees. Specimens have been collected at 1100 feet at the base of the Malindang Mountain in northwestern Mindanao. Also, specimens have been collected in the coastal mountains of east central Mindanao. Vegetation of this area was early second-growth and primary dipterocarp forest.This species has been collected on the islands of Dinagat, Leyte, and Samar at elevations of around 200 to 900 meters. D. mindanensis appears to be a forest obligate species, restricted to primary and possibly mature secondary growth forest. There appears to be a strong dependence on primary and secondary forest habitats that are exceedingly rare and D. mindanensis livelihood due their absence in nearby coconut groves adjacent to these forests. For this very reason, experts believe that this species of Draco is the most endangered species in the Philippines.
Gliding
D. mindanensis, like other members of the Draco species, is famous for its use of gliding as a form of locomotive behavior. These lizards have a set of elongated ribs, which they can extend and retract. The ribs are quite flexible and apparently they are subject to a certain amount of bending. Between these ribs are folds of skin that rest flat against the body when not in use, but act as wings when unfurled, allowing the Draco to catch the wind and glide. Gliding ability is of daily importance and has important consequences in contexts of both natural and sexual selection.With D. mindanensis being a larger glider compared to its family members, it descends greater distances and will attain higher air velocities to reach equilibrium gliding. Findings suggest that takeoff heights greater than six meters or horizontal transit distances greater than nine meters are required to achieve equilibrium glides. Furthermore, in order to support its mass, glides occur at a higher velocity than smaller Draco lizards.
Flight is described in three stages: dive flight, glide flight, and ascent flight or landing phase. Dive flight occurs when the lizard launches itself from a tree and there is a steep downward glide at an angle of 45 degrees. The kinetic energy that develops during the dive flight is utilized in the second phase of glide flight. During glide flight, the lizard's body axis and tail are straightened to maximize flight distance. Finally, the third phase, ascent flight occurs. The trajectory of D. mindanensis rises so that the lizard can swoop upwards as it lands on its target. Rotation of the lizard's tail plays an important role in maintaining position in the air
Although, D. mindanensis is able to utilize physiological advantages to achieve top performance in flight, there are certain disadvantages. This species cannot utilize lower forest strata to the same extent as can smaller species while maintaining the ability to complete glides to adjacent trees. Also, from an evolutionary standpoint, potential modification of wing area is limited by the architecture of the gliding mechanism.