SQUEE!
By Higher Perspective — Written on Mar 22, 2016
It wasn't exactly just discovered, but the Draco volans, a tiny lizard that looks stunningly like a dragon, has been discovered in Indonesia. It's not a dragon since, you know, dragons don't exist, but they are an incredible animal.
They've developed the ability to fly in order to avoid predators. Each lizard has a wing-like appendage that allows them to soar from tree to tree, enabling them quick escapes when needed. It also helps them catch delicious insects and attract mates.
They're able to fly about 30 feet with a single leap. Pretty impressive.
Where birds have wings covered in feathers, the Draco volans has an elongated ribcage that can extend and retract when needed. Draco volans only reach about eight inches in length and they also don't breathe fire. That aside, they're very territorial. Their territories include usually about three trees, and they will fight off any other little dragon who tries to encroach.
The female Dracos guard their eggs after laying them in the ground for about 24 hours. After that, the kids are on their own.
Check out this video to learn more about this fascinating creature:
This article was originally published at Higher Perspective. Reprinted with permission from the author.