Reptoria

Geelvink forest dragon (Hypsilurus geelvinkianus)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Geelvink forest dragon (Hypsilurus geelvinkianus) (origin: New Guinea (Cenderawasih Bay and the surrounding area)). Adult size around approx. 35–45 cm total length. Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Geelvink forest dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×60×140 cm for a pair.

Geelvink forest dragon: What temperature does it need?

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

Geelvink forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).

Geelvink forest dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.

Geelvink 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. 35–45 cm total length
Life expectancy
approx. 8–12 years
Origin
New Guinea (Cenderawasih Bay and the surrounding area)
Protection status
Not listed under CITES; wild-caught animals
Brumation
None
Cohabitation
Single housing is the least stressful. A pair (1.1) is possible with related forest dragons, but only in a large, tall enclosure (at least 100×60×140 cm) with several viewing, basking and hiding places and a way to separate the animals if they do not get on. Keep males strictly apart: they are territorial and fight over territory and basking spot.

Notes

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

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Geelvink forest dragon (Hypsilurus geelvinkianus) 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: 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, Remarks on taxonomy and nomenclature of genus Hypsilurus (Agamidae, Amphibolurinae) – https://zse.pensoft.net/article/7469/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypsilurus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypsilurus_geelvinkianus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Hypsilurus&species=geelvinkianus

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).