Meet The Pinocchio Lizard

Pinocchio anole lizard (Anolis proboscis, Family: Dactyloidae) from the cloudforest of Mindo, Ecuador. The rare and endangered Anolis proboscis was once believed to have become extinct for more than 40 years before being rediscovered in 2004. This long-nosed canopy-dwelling lizard has a cryptic camouflage blending with the mossy vegetation making it a challenge to spot. The function of the male’s unusual “nose“ (proboscis) is not fully understood yet. Being flymsy, it cannot be used as a “horn“ in battles between males. Only the male has the long pointy nose appendage, it’s size may show its good genes to a female.  ••• FOLLOW ME ••• ▶ Youtube: ▶ Instagram: ▶ Twitter: ▶ Website: