Here are some of the lizard species we have documented and identified so far on the island. If you click on the picture you can learn all about them and why they are important to the islands ecosystem and us.
Dragons
Flying dragons
Also known as ‘Flying Spotted Flying Dragon (Draco maculatus) Dragons, these lizards possess a gliding structure, or patagium, attached to specialised ribs which can be extended away from the body. They cling to tree trunks, where they feed on ants, and may be glimpsed gliding many metres to another tree. They also have a brightly coloured dewlap, or gular flag, beneath the neck which is extended for display purposes. There are more than 40 species, the majority occurring in Southeast Asia.
Family: Agamidae
Spotted flying dragon (Draco maculatus) IUCN REDLIST: Least Concern
Spotted flying dragons are part of the agamid family that can glide from tree to tree. Their excess skin between their forelegs and their body allows they to glide through the forest. They mainly feed on ants and are difficult to spot as they adapt their skin tone to their surroundings. In some cases they adapt to look like the bark of a tree.
Garden lizard
This large family of lizards have a generally spiky appearance, with sharp spines behind the neck, along the back and near the eyes. They are often brightly coloured, have long tails and bear sharp teeth. They are diurnal, and mainly arboreal, and the group includes the Gliding Lizards. Worldwide there are around 500 species, with over 70 occurring in Southeast Asia.
Family: Agamidae
Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor)IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Oriental garden lizards are part of the agamid family. These lizards cannot drop their tails like others but can move their eyes interchangeably like chameleons. They feed on insects, sometimes small rodents and other lizards. These lizards do not chew their food but swallow it whole. They are not commonly seen and are not a threat to humans at all.
Mountain Horned dragons (Pricklenapes)
Family: Agamidae
Boulenger’s Pricklenape (Acanthosaura cardamomensis)IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Boulenger’s pricklenape is a part of the agamid family (related to iguanas) and their name comes from the row of dorsal spines they have on their backs. These lizards are insectivores and catch their prey through a lye and wait method. They are completely harmless and will retreat when they feel threatened.
Water dragons
Family: Agamidae
Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus)IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Chinese water dragons are part of the agamid family (related to iguanas). They mainly feed on insects but also supplement their diet with vegetation and other small fish, mammals and reptiles. These animals are harmless but may bite if you try to touch them.
Monitors lizards
These are large, muscular predators with strong jaws, sharp teeth and a long forked tongue, which they use to taste the air when searching for prey. Many swim well, and nearly all can climb trees. Worldwide there are more than 70 species, of which 5 occur on mainland Southeast Asia and a further 25 or more on islands in the Philippines and eastern Indonesia. The group includes the Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard in the world.
Family: Varanidae
Malayan water monitor (Varanus salvator) IUCN REDLIST: Least Concern
Malayan water monitors are the most common monitors found in Asia and are the second heaviest lizard after the Komodo dragon. They live in areas close to water sources and feed on frogs, fish, rodents, birds, crabs, snakes and sometimes carrion (already dead animals). These animals are harmless but may bite if you try to touch them.
Geckos
Globally there are well over 1000 species of gecko. They are mainly arboreal, nocturnal forest dwellers, with a wide range of ecological niches and modes of life. Many are highly camouflaged, cryptic forms. Their evolutionary success in Southeast Asia is largely based on their ability to grip vertical (or even inverted) surfaces with highly evolved foot pads or sharp claws. Some forms have adapted to urban life, and eke a living feeding on insects attracted to artificial lighting.
Family: Gekkonidae
Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Tokay geckos are one of the largest living geckos and they have an amazing ability which allows them to loose their tails to evade being eaten and can re-grow a new one. This specie is completely harmless but will bite you if you attempt to handle it.
Family: Gekkonidae
Flat tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Flat tailed house geckos are part of the Gekkonidae and one of the most common in this family. They vary in colour and markings but are distinguished by their flat tail which is fringed with loose skin. They feed on insects like most lizards and are completely harmless retreating when feeling threatened.
Skinks
Globally there are over 1500 species of lizard broadly regarded as ‘skinks’, which is the largest of any lizard group. Skinks have evolved to fill a huge range of ecological niches, however in Southeast Asia most are terrestrial, and a few are expert tree climbers. Skinks typically have smooth, slender bodies, long tails and short limbs : in some species evolution has resulted in the loss of limbs entirely.
Family: Scincidae
Streamside skink (Sphenomorphus maculatus) IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Streamside skinks are part of the Scincidae family and as their name indicates they are commonly found near rivers and streams where there is moisture. These skinks feed on small insects and invertebrates they find when foraging in the leaf litter on the forest floor.
Family: Scincidae
Common sun skink (Eutropis multifasciata) IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
The many lined skink gets its name from the distinct pattern of 5-7 lines running along its back. They live on the forest floor where sunlight breaks through the canopy. The colours along their flanks (on their sides behind their ears) vary in colour from olive-brown to reddish-orange and their throat colour can vary from white to yellow. They feed mainly on insects they find around the forest floor.
Family: Scincidae
Speckled forest skink (Eutropis macularia) IUCN REDLIST: Not Evaluated
Speckled forest skink mainly inhabit dry forest floor unlike their relatives the streamside skink. These species are fast runners and hunt small insects running around the forest floor. This species is distinguished by orange-red throat colour and the two pale bands along the neck and shoulder.
***Identification of these species has been made through, photographic documentation cross referenced with external specialists and identification books. Any errors in our database will be rectified upon notification, if you feel that we have misidentified any species please help us to improve our research through our contact us page. All people involved will be acknowledge in the website and reports***
If you have any pictures or information from or about the island please help us to improve our database by sending your information through to us via our contact page
the Wonderful Wildlife of Samloem 