Lizards are another common forest reptile, with species ranging from tiny geckos to the prehistoric-looking iguanas. A large iguana can exceed 6 feet in length, and they spend much of their time in the forest canopy, often in trees overhanging streams. They are good swimmers, and will often jump down to the water if threatened.

Some snakes feed heavily on lizards. In tropical American forests, blunt-headed tree snakes have unique methods for capturing sleeping anole lizards. These lizards sleep out on the very tips of leaves and vines. Any approaching predator will make this perch vibrate, and with this early warning the lizard usually has plenty of time to escape. The blunt-headed tree snake, however, can sneak up on the anole lizards. These snakes have a special skeletal system that allows them to extend half of their body length into the air without support. The snake can therefore move along a plant next to the lizard, reach across through the air, and grab the lizard from its perch.

Unlike snakes, lizards are not strictly carnivores and eat both fruits and leaves, though many species also feed heavily on insects. Lizards aren't venomous and usually aren't aggressive.

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[riparian zones] [fruit] [leaves]

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