The jungle, my favorite ecosystem, is full of incredible surprises. During my stay in Panama as a physician in the Canal Zone, my favorite pastime was birdwatching and leading ornithological tours through the jungles of Central and South America. However, I also loved exploring the ecosystem alone.
On one of these occasions, I was walking along the edge of a beautiful jungle stream when I saw, for the first time, the Jesus Christ lizard, formally known as a basilisk lizard. It has the remarkable ability to sprint across the surface of the water. It does this when startled on a tree branch or chased by a predator, such as a snake. It drops from the branch and flees across the surface of a nearby river, stream, or lake. Because this feat resembles the biblical story of Jesus walking on water, locals and observers call it the Jesus Christ lizard.
It moves at high speed on its hind legs. Its back feet have elongated toes with fringed skin flaps that snap open when they hit the water, trapping tiny pockets of air and creating a temporary cushion before the feet sink. Its dramatic, sail-like crest, which extends along its head, back, and tail, helps as well. It is extremely fast.
It is native to the tropical jungles and rainforests of Central America and parts of Mexico. It arrived in Florida through the pet trade. Nervousness can cause the lizard to injure its nose against the walls of its aquarium. The lizard is not well suited to handling and does not enjoy being held or petted. It is more of a display animal.
The Jesus Christ lizard is my favorite of all the lizards, and I love to show it to the members of my jungle tours.
Jaime Pujals 92
