This brave lizard showed exactly what friends are for - springing into action to save a fellow reptile from the clutches of a snake.

The two tokay geckos were scampering across the bricks of the ancient Pre Rup temple when the golden tree snake pounced in Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 23.

Footage shows how the snake was crushing the tokay to death as it opened its jaws in preparation to swallow the creature headfirst.

However, a second tokay gecko had other ideas. Showing a fascinating affinity with its own species, the gecko ran down from above and sank its teeth into the snake's neck.

The pair exchanged several strikes before the lizard bit the snake's mid-riff and plunged with Kamikaze-like courage to the ground - freeing its friend from the jaws of death.

Onlooker Ah Ta Reath, from Phnom Penh, said the snake quickly slithered away then they hit the ground.

She said: 'I was amazed when I was watching them. I thought the snake was going to eat the lizard then out of nowhere another gecko appeared. He saved his friend's life. I couldn't believe it. I always thought lizards were menaces, but when I saw this, I realised they have a good heart.'

Tokay geckos are best known for their loud, raspy call, which they use to defend their territory. They are also unusually aggressive and can bite when they feel threatened.

The golden tree snake is not venomous to humans but feeds on lizards, frogs, and small mammals.