Borneo, an island known for its incredible biodiversity, hides many mysterious creatures in its depths, including the earless lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis), a rare species that lives only in the northwestern part of the island.

This unusual reptile, the only one of its kind, impresses with its appearance, resembling a prehistoric creature with bright blue eyes. It leads a nocturnal lifestyle, hunting for worms, crabs and catfish, and hides in burrows during the day.

The earless monitor lizard has no external ear openings, but this does not prevent it from hearing. The animal, which can grow up to 50 centimeters in length, has a tail that helps it stay in the water by clinging to branches and roots.

The species is considered rare, with only 12 specimens having been found by 1961. Despite their “endangered” status, earless geckos are sometimes found in the illegal pet trade. They are threatened by deforestation, conversion of their natural habitat to farmland and climate change.

Another mystery about the earless lizard is its toxicity. It has glands that secrete enzymes and fluids, but their role is not fully understood.

The Borneo earless lizard remains one of the most mysterious reptiles on the planet, attracting the attention of scientists and nature lovers. Its unique features and rarity make it a real “holy grail” of herpetology, and further study of this species can reveal new secrets of the evolution and adaptation of living organisms. Source