Despite the fact that the fictional flying species of "ikran" and "toruk" can't be found swooping around the forests here on Earth like they did in Avatar's Pandora, there are several species of flying reptiles lurking around Southeastern Asia's forests that come pretty close to the movie version. They are called Draco volans, or "Flying Dragons" and are one of the fascinating sights that tourists in the region are treated to as they wander the woods.
Biology
The real-world flying dragons are far smaller than their Pandoran counterparts, coming in at an average length of just under a foot, with the females being larger than the males. These airborne reptiles don't have true wings, but instead glide from tree to tree by extending their ribs outwards. When these are stretched out, the skin between each rib forms a large flat surface on each side that the lizards use to slow and control their gliding descent. Using their "wings" the flying dragons can glide over distances of over 25 feet.
Both sexes also have a gular flap below their chins which can be extended and may serve as a type of rudder in controlling their flight. Fully grown flying dragons measure just under a foot in length with a "wingspan" that could be anywhere up to ten inches.
Draco volans eat insects that they find on the trees in which they live. Their diet typically consists of ants and termites which they trap on their sticky tongues. Typically each male will claim a "territory" of two or three trees, which he will attempt to keep free of other male dragons by patrolling. He will use his ability to glide to move between the trees several times each day.
Social Interaction
If a male Draco Volans stumbles upon another male encroaching on his territory, he will spread his "wings" out wide and extend his gulet flap while circling the intruder. This creates the illusion of a much larger size and the circling is intended to scare the intruder into backing off. Female dragons are welcome to move freely between the trees, and most male flying dragons encourage at least two or three to stay within their arboreal territorial.
Flying Dragons in Popular Culture
It seems that people throughout the world are as captivated with the idea of flying reptiles as the "Avatar" team was when they developed the ikran and toruk for the film. Movies like Dungeons and Dragons, Reign of Fire, and Dragonheart have all brought the idea of massive flying lizards to the big screen and the mythology and folklore of dragons almost always attributes the power of flight to them.
It is our duty to protect these tiny winged wonders for future generations so that they can continue to inspire our myths and imaginations.
Walter F. Rodriguez - Walter F. Rodriguez is an actor/writer from northern New Jersey currently working for The Onion, the top comedy newspaper/tv station in ...
