Reptoria

Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) (origin: New Guinea, the Moluccas). Adult size around approx. 45–58 cm total length; of which only about 13 cm is snout–vent length, the rest is tail. Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Bruijn's forest dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×60×140 cm for a pair.

Bruijn's forest dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Bruijn's forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).

Bruijn's forest dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.

Bruijn's forest dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
24–29 °C
Night temperature
20–23 °C
Basking spot
30 °C
Humidity
75–90 %
UVB
UVB needed (5–6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×60×140 cm for a pair
Substrate
Coco humus with leaf litter, permanently damp

Feeding

Food
Crickets, roaches, locusts
Feeding interval
adults 2–3× a week; mist several times a day

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 45–58 cm total length; of which only about 13 cm is snout–vent length, the rest is tail
Life expectancy
approx. 8–12 years
Origin
New Guinea, the Moluccas
Protection status
Not listed under CITES; wild-caught animals
Brumation
None
Cohabitation
In pairs (1.1); males strictly kept apart. The reason is territory: two males will not voluntarily share a basking spot or a hiding place. They fight until one is seriously injured or sits permanently in a corner — and that second animal then eats less, without any visible wound.

Notes

Very rarely in the trade; the figures follow the genus profile.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) in the marketplace →

Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×140 cm for a pair), substrate (Coco humus with leaf litter, permanently damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 24 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: australian-monitors.jimdofree.com, en.wikipedia.org, eur-lex.europa.eu, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, Boyd's Forest Dragon Caresheet (nahe verwandte Gattung Lophosaurus/ex-Hypsilurus) - 100 Tage bei 24-25C – https://www.livefoods.com.au/boyds-forest-dragon-caresheet

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).