Papua forest dragon (Hypsilurus papuensis)
Agamas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Papua forest dragon (Hypsilurus papuensis) (origin: New Guinea). Adult size around up to approx. 65–70 cm total length (the tail makes up two thirds). Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Papua forest dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×150 cm for a pair.
Papua forest dragon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Papua forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).
Papua forest dragon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.
Papua 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
- 120×60×150 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- Coco humus with leaf litter, permanently damp
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, locusts, wax moths; occasionally snails
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3× a week; mist several times a day
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to approx. 65–70 cm total length (the tail makes up two thirds)
- Life expectancy
- approx. 8–12 years
- Origin
- New Guinea
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; almost exclusively wild-caught animals in the trade
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single housing is the least stressful. A pair (1.1) is possible with related forest dragons, but only in a very large, tall enclosure (at least 120×60×150 cm) with several viewing, basking and hiding places and a way to separate the animals if they do not get on. Never keep males together: they are territorial and fight over territory and basking spot.
Notes
Wild-caught animals are the rule and are usually heavily parasitised; plan for faecal samples and quarantine before housing them together. Captive-bred animals are rare and their price is justified.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Papua forest dragon (Hypsilurus papuensis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Eared forest dragon (Hypsilurus auritus) – Expert
- Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) – Expert
- Indonesian forest dragon (Hypsilurus dilophus) – Expert
- Geelvink forest dragon (Hypsilurus geelvinkianus) – Expert
- Magnus forest dragon (Hypsilurus magnus) – Expert
- Modest forest dragon (Hypsilurus modestus) – 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 Papua forest dragon (Hypsilurus papuensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×150 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_papuensis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Hypsilurus&species=papuensis
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).