Northern Forest Dragon (Hypsilurus godeffroyii)

Common Name: Northern Forest Dragon
Scientific Name: Hypsilurus godeffroyii
Source: WC
Adult Size: Approximately 30–40cm total length, including tail
Native Range: New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua); lowland and mid-elevation rainforest

Enclosure: A minimum 90×60×90cm Viperia PVC vivarium, set up with plenty of vertical climbing space — add sturdy diagonal and horizontal branches at varying heights, live or artificial foliage for cover, a moisture-retaining substrate such as coconut fibre or bioactive topsoil, and secure anchor points for a misting system to maintain high ambient humidity throughout the enclosure
Heating: Basking spot of around 30–32°C; cool/ambient side 22–26°C; night-time drop to 18–22°C is well tolerated and beneficial
Humidity: 70–90%; achieve this through regular misting (two or more times daily), a timed automatic misting system, and a dense planting or deep substrate layer to help retain moisture between sprays
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask within 20–30cm of the lamp; this replicates the dappled, filtered light of a dense rainforest canopy and supports healthy vitamin D3 synthesis
Diet: Primarily insectivorous (insect-eating) — offer a varied rotation of appropriately sized crickets, locusts, dubia roaches, and the occasional waxworm or mealworm as a treat; dust feeder insects with a calcium supplement at most feeds and a multivitamin supplement once or twice a week; adult animals typically feed every two to three days, juveniles daily or every other day

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Northern Forest Dragon is a striking arboreal (tree-dwelling) lizard native to the lush rainforests of New Guinea, where it spends most of its life among branches and dense foliage at low to mid elevations. Slender, laterally compressed, and adorned with subtle earthy tones and crested scales, it has a prehistoric elegance that sets it apart from the more commonly kept agamid species in the hobby.

This is a species best suited to experienced keepers who can commit to maintaining the warm, very humid conditions it requires and who enjoy observing rather than handling — Northern Forest Dragons tend to be shy and do best in a well-planted, bioactive-style setup where they feel secure. They reward patient, attentive keepers with fascinating natural behaviours and are a genuinely exciting choice for anyone looking to keep something a little out of the ordinary.