Lizards in Scuba Gear Spotted in Tropical Forest - But No, They Don't Wear Tanks!

Deep in the tropical forests of southern Costa Rica, a creature has been found to thrive in the water with an extraordinary ability. Meet the water anoles, the scaly, striped lizards that can form a bubble over their head to support breathing underwater.

The water anoles are found in the humid and dense tropical forests of southern Costa Rica. This species of lizard, known for its vivid coloration and patterned scales, is adapted to its environment in more ways than one. Unbeknownst to many, these lizards possess unique respiratory capabilities, similar to those of humans and some other animals, but with an added twist - the ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time.

Researchers have long been studying these remarkable creatures to understand the secrets behind their extraordinary ability. According to scientists, the water anoles can extend the duration of their underwater stay by trapping air in a bubble over their heads. The anoles would make brief visits to the surface of the water, where they would form a protective layer of air to insulate and preserve the oxygen.

This remarkable respiratory adaptation is crucial for water anoles to access food that lies within the depths of the water. With this feature, they can successfully dive beneath the water's surface to feed on several small aquatic creatures, plants, and any potential organism they might find.

The study on these breath-holding lizards has evoked much interest in recent years. These discoveries have shed light on various vertebrates, which have distinctive physiological adaptations, making them fascinating subjects to study and research.