Indonesian forest dragon (Hypsilurus dilophus)
Agamas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Indonesian forest dragon (Hypsilurus dilophus) (origin: New Guinea and its offshore islands, the Moluccas). Adult size around up to approx. 60–65 cm total length. Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Indonesian forest dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120 × 80–100 × 150–200 cm for a pair, with several sturdy vertical trunks.
Indonesian forest dragon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Indonesian forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).
Indonesian forest dragon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.
Indonesian 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
- 30–32 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- UVB needed (5–6 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120 × 80–100 × 150–200 cm for a pair, with several sturdy vertical trunks
- Substrate
- Coco humus with leaf litter, permanently damp
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, locusts; occasionally snails
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3× a week; mist several times a day
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to approx. 60–65 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- approx. 8–12 years
- Origin
- New Guinea and its offshore islands, the Moluccas
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; mostly 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
Adult males have a striking double nuchal crest. Shy like all Hypsilurus — plenty of visual screening lowers the stress markedly.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Eared forest dragon (Hypsilurus auritus) – Expert
- Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) – Expert
- Geelvink forest dragon (Hypsilurus geelvinkianus) – Expert
- Magnus forest dragon (Hypsilurus magnus) – Expert
- Modest forest dragon (Hypsilurus modestus) – Expert
- Papua forest dragon (Hypsilurus papuensis) – Expert
- Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon (Hypsilurus schultzewestrumi) – Expert
- Bell's angle-headed dragon (Gonocephalus bellii) – Intermediate to expert
What you need to start
To keep Indonesian forest dragon (Hypsilurus dilophus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120 × 80–100 × 150–200 cm for a pair, with several sturdy vertical trunks), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, australian-monitors.jimdofree.com, bmleh.de (Gutachten Reptilien 1997), eur-lex.europa.eu, reptile-care.de
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).