Sail-fin lizard  (Hydrosaurus pustulatus)

Sadly, the enigmatic sail-fin lizard is threatened by ongoing habitat loss and degradation, in addition to hunting pressure, primarily for the pet trade (3). However, the species is classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1) as little is as yet known of its status in the wild (5). Thus, more research is required before the real impact of these threats can be fully assessed.

A European captive breeding programme has been set up by Chester Zoo (5), and efforts are now underway at three local rescue and breeding centres in Negros and Panay, Philippines, to establish local breeding, research and education projects based around sail-fin lizards (3). However, until the species, its distribution, abundance, and the threats it faces, have been more thoroughly investigated, it is extremely difficult to identify and act upon its conservation needs.