In Vietnam, this “unique-looking” creature is often “slaughtered,” while people in Europe and America view them as a unique ornamental pet.
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In Vietnam, there is a strange lizard species that has characteristics unlike any other lizard: their tails are six times longer than their body and head.
This is the Takydromus sexilineatus, a small lizard commonly found in grasslands and bushes.
The long tail helps the Takydromus avoid falling while climbing slowly or moving quickly through tall grass or scattered branches.
Due to its length, their tails are also quite fragile and easily break.
Like some other lizard species, the Takydromus also ‘sheds its tail’ when attacked by predators. A new tail will grow back from the stump.
The Takydromus is a fairly common reptile in Vietnam, ranging from the northern mountainous provinces to the southeastern region.
They are often hunted and bred as food for pet birds. In pet stores, Takydromus is sold at a relatively low price, just a few thousand VND each.
However, in Europe and America, many people keep Takydromus as ornamental pets due to their beautiful colors and unique long tails.
This species of reptile is relatively easy to care for, feeding on small insects like mosquitoes.
In folklore, the Takydromus appears in a proverb known by many Vietnamese: ‘Dragon eggs hatch into dragons / Takydromus hatch into Takydromus lineage.’
