15/05/2026
The Last Runners of the Rainforest
Native to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and parts of Honduras, this prehistoric-looking reptile spends most of its life near rivers and streams deep in the jungle.
Known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” the Plumed Basilisk can run across water using its powerful back legs and specially adapted feet, reaching speeds fast enough to stay above the surface for short distances.
For thousands of years, they’ve survived tropical storms, predators, floods, and the harsh conditions of the rainforest . but they can’t outrun deforestation.
As forests are cleared and waterways disappear, the basilisk loses the dense jungle it relies on for shelter, hunting, and survival. Every fallen tree and damaged riverbank pushes these ancient reptiles further from the wild places they’ve inhabited for centuries.