Did you know that there are over 4,675 species of lizards? If not, that’s okay, because we will be talking about other types of lizards in our unique reptile kingdom. In the past stories, we have been going over the bearded dragon, leopard gecko, crested gecko, and the African fat-tailed gecko. So this time, I feel like it would be fun to talk about other types of lizards. We won’t be going over what to put in their tank, how to handle them, what to feed them, and so on. We will just be going over other types for example: iguana, day gecko, komodo dragon, and some other types. I feel like this one will be really fun. So let’s get started!

Iguana- There are roughly 30 species of the larger members of the lizard family Iguanidae. You may be wondering what makes the Iguana a part of the lizard family. Well, according to Iguana Facts(Live Science), “Iguanas are lizards identified by their stocky stature, the saggy skin on their throats and the spines that protrude from their heads, necks, backs and tails”. There is a species of Iguana that became extinct about 3,000 years ago due to human colonization in Fiji. This Iguana is called Lapitiguana Impensa. However, the most recent Iguana was discovered in 1986 and is called the “Pink iguana” due to its pink-ish, red-ish color.

Fun Fact: Iguanas have a so-called “third eye” on the top of their heads. Known as the parietal eye, it looks like a pale scale and can’t discern shapes or color—but does sense light and movement, helping iguanas anticipate predatory birds from above.

Komodo Dragon- This population is split among a few islands, with 1,700 on Komodo, 1,300 on Rinca, 100 on Gili Motang and around 2,000 on Flores. There aren’t different species of Komodo Dragon. However, they are on the list for endangered and have a high risk for extinction. The Komodo Dragon was first discovered anywhere between 1910-1912. Again, you may be wondering what makes the Komodo Dragon a lizard. According to Komodo Dragon/ Smithsonian’s National Zoo “Komodo dragons are large lizards with long tails, strong and agile necks, and sturdy limbs”.  

Fun Fact: The Komodo Dragon is highly venomous which comes from bacterial infections in their saliva, and is what they use to kill their victims. (prey or even humans)

Day Gecko- There are more than 40 species of Day Gecko, and they are all so pretty and colorful. The species of day gecko that is extinct is called the “Rodrigues Giant Day Gecko”. These geckos were last seen in 1917. The most recently discovered one was discovered in 1887 and is called the “Cnemaspis Strauch”. 

Fun Fact: According to, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, “Geckos are the only lizards that produce more than a hiss or other simple sound. Their vocalizations range from squeaks and clicks to barks and croaks”.

 Leaf-tailed Gecko- There are 19 recognized species of Leaf-Tailed Gecko (also known as the Uroplatus Phantasticus). And the endangered rate is of least concern, but the population is decreasing. The first specimen was discovered in 2004 of the Uroplatus fetsy. They are also called Leaf-Tailed Geckos because their tail literally is the shape of a leaf and has the patterns of some leaves. 

Fun Fact: Not only can it change color to match its background, but it has a flap of skin running the length of its body that helps break up its outline and prevents it from casting a shadow.

Web-Footed Gecko- There are no different species of the Web-Footed Gecko, just the Web-Footed Gecko itself. The web-footed gecko is translucent with a pale salmon colored undertone and light brown stripes. The Web-Footed Gecko is a critically endangered species, and has a little surprise when it gets dark out (which will be the fact at the end). These little guys are considered medium and can get up to 4 inches long, and males are slightly smaller than females. 

Fun Fact: When it gets dark out, and the moon is shining on these little lizards, they glow! This is said to be rare under the moonlight because they glow using skin pigment cells filled with guanine crystals. Under their bellies, they glow neon green. And their eyes turn a bright blue, while the rest of them is also a bright neon blue because of the glow.

Draco Lizard- There are more than 40 species of Draco Lizards (also known as flying lizards). These lizards are not considered endangered and the population is stable. Draco Lizards were first discovered in 1758, so they have been around for a long time. These lizards can get up to 8 inches long in length including the tail. Now you may be wondering why they are also called (flying lizards) Because…. They can FLY!! They don’t have wings to flap like a bird, however, they have an aerofoil formed by winglike patagial membranes and supported by elongated thoracic ribs. Which means they glide! Pretty cool!

Fun Fact: Flying lizards (Draco Lizards) can glide up to 190 feet in the air, but they more often “fly” distances of 30 feet.

Frilled Lizard- There are 420 different species of Frilled Lizards, CRAZY!! Frilled lizards were first discovered in 1825. They have a frill around their neck, which is why they are called Frilled Lizards. They use the frill around their neck to look larger and more intimidating than the opponent. They can grow up to 3 feet in length, and it takes them 2-3 years to get to full size. While most can only get up to 12 inches. 

Fun Fact: The Frilled Lizard is sometimes called the bicycle lizard. It is called this because of the way it can move on its back legs. 

Mexican Alligator Lizard- There are 67 different species of Mexican Alligator Lizard. These lizards are endangered due to destruction and fragmentation of their habitat caused by logging, agriculture, and forest fires. They can get up to 9.8 inches (25 centimeters) long. They were first discovered in 1838 and identified in 1864.

Fun Fact: These lizards are known to live at high altitudes and are typically found at elevations of 4,500-9,000 feet.

All of these lizards have something cool and unique about them. From Iguanas to Mexican alligator lizards all these lizards (or geckos) are somewhat endangered. The least concerned ones are: Frilled lizards, Draco Lizards, and Leaf-tailed geckos. The ones that are critically endangered, and or are on the red list, are: Komodo Dragon, Web-footed gecko, day gecko, and Mexican alligator lizard. And the sad part is that the ones that are critically endangered or on the red list, are there because of loss of habitat and destruction, so please do something. If you like lizards and see one, save it! This was a fun story to do because getting to know some facts about other lizards in the world is fun and you can learn something new. Save the lizards!