Reptoria

Magnus forest dragon (Hypsilurus magnus)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Magnus forest dragon (Hypsilurus magnus) (origin: New Guinea (Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea), primary lowland and hill rainforest from sea level up to around 560 m). Adult size around approx. 60–85 cm total length (males; females smaller). Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

At least 120×90×150 cm for a pair (1.1).

Magnus forest dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Magnus forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).

Magnus forest dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.

Magnus 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
at least 120×90×150 cm for a pair (1.1)
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. 60–85 cm total length (males; females smaller)
Life expectancy
approx. 8–12 years
Origin
New Guinea (Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea), primary lowland and hill rainforest from sea level up to around 560 m
Protection status
Not listed under CITES; wild-caught animals
Brumation
None
Cohabitation
Solitary or as a pair (1.1), in a very large enclosure also 1.2. Never males together: they defend territories and threaten with raised crest and throat fan until the subordinate animal constantly flees and stops eating. The reason is territorial conflict, not predation — the species eats insects and does not prey on conspecifics.

Notes

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

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Magnus forest dragon (Hypsilurus magnus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 120×90×150 cm for a pair (1.1)), 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: reptile-database.reptarium.cz, grokipedia.com, bmleh.de (Gutachten Mindestanforderungen Reptilien 1997), einrichtungsbeispiele.de, en.wikipedia.org

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).