Reptoria

Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon (Hypsilurus schultzewestrumi)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon (Hypsilurus schultzewestrumi) (origin: New Guinea). Adult size around approx. 35–45 cm total length. Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×60×140 cm for a pair.

Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon: What temperature does it need?

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

Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).

Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.

Schultze-Westrum'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. 35–45 cm total length
Life expectancy
approx. 8–12 years
Origin
New Guinea
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; solid keeping reports are largely lacking. The figures follow the genus profile.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon (Hypsilurus schultzewestrumi) 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_schultzewestrumi, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Hypsilurus&species=schultzewestrumi

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).