|
 Chinese
Tree Dragons
(Gonocephalus
abbotti)
The
Chinese Tree Dragon is a recent import into
the United States. Little is known
about these beautiful little lizards, which
are members of the agamidae family.
Natural History
Like all
agamas, these are Old World lizards, cousins
(in habits and habitats, if not in fact) to
the New World iguanids. Agamas are generally
easily recognized by their large, broad
triangular shaped head, long tails, and
strong legs. Many are equipped with sharp
claws for digging and tree climbing. Their
tails may break off defensively, but they
are not known to regenerate. They are
primarily carnivores, and most are oviparous
(egg layers). All are equipped with
excellent eyesight. They are able, like the
New World anoles (Anolis sp.) and
other agamids and iguanids, to change colors
in response to temperature changes and
stress.
Tree Dragons are found primarily in
southeastern Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea,
and Australia. They range in size from
10 - 24". Their nuchal and
dorsal crest,
which runs down the back, is similar to a
water dragon's. Males have a large dewlap
which can be lowered; some have spikes on
the outer edge. Legs and toes are long, and
heavily clawed for climbing trees. Tails are
long, and in some species may also carry a
crest. Unlike the iguanids, if the
tail is broken off, it will not regenerate.
The mouth is large, and quite capable of
inflicting a painful bite in the bigger
species.
Wild
and Captive Habitats
Tree Dragons live high in the trees in the
dense tropical and mountain rainforests.
Occasionally they are found on the ground in
the undergrowth, but they prefer height.
They will bask occasionally, but require a
slightly warmer, dense arboreal rainforest
setup with access to water. They
prefer temperatures ranging between 77 - 88º
F during the daytime, and between 70 - 80º F
at night. Some sunlight and UVB is
beneficial to these lizards. However,
a proper temperature range is more important
than a specific basking area.
Food
Tree Dragons thrive on a variety of insects
such as crickets and mealworms, small
vertebrates (such as pinkie mice), and
occasionally earthworms. Supplement
each meal with multivitamin and calcium
supplements. Since many reptiles hate
the taste of powdered supplements, a vitamin
spray often works better.
Water/Humidity
Tree Dragons
require high humidity and large pans of
water. Additionally, outfit your tank
with a drip system or bubbler to maintain
the high humidity needed.
Reproduction
Tree Dragons are oviparous (egg laying)
They prefer moist earth or peat for laying.
They breed year-round, laying eggs among the
tree roots. Hatchings incubate for 4
months, and are 3 - 6" long at birth.
Sources
-
EMBL Reptile
Database:
Agamidae
-
Obst, F. J.,
et al. Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and
Amphibians for the Terrarium. 1988. TFH
-
Wynne, R. H.
Lizards in Captivity. 1981. TFH
|
