Giant forest dragon
A species of Gonocephalus, Also known as Malayan crested lizard Scientific name : Gonocephalus grandis Genus : Gonocephalus
Giant forest dragon, A species of Gonocephalus
Also known as:
Malayan crested lizard
Scientific name: Gonocephalus grandis
Genus: Gonocephalus
Content
Description General Info
Photo By sullivanribbit , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Gonocephalus grandis , known as the Giant Forest Dragon, is a species of lizard found in the Malacca Peninsula, Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Nías, Nako, Penang and Tioman Island. It has also been found in Laos and Vietnam.
General Info
Lifespan
8-15 years
Diet
Giant forest dragon primarily thrives on a herbivorous diet, showing particular preference for tender leaves, blossoms, and shoots. Its diet also includes fruits, supplementing its nutrition with diverse plant matter.
Appearance
The giant forest dragon is a large, tree-dwelling reptile distinguished by its triangular head and leaf-like appendages. It has rough, scaly skin in rich shades of green, providing camouflage in lush vegetation. Males display more vibrant colours and larger crests than females. Its long, thin tail, used for balance, features alternating bands of lighter and darker green. This striking creature's varied colours and unique shape mimic leaves and branches, aiding in its survival in dense forest habitats.
Behavior
Giant forest dragon typically exhibits diurnal, arboreal behavior with strong territorial tendencies. A solitary reptile, males use visual threat displays, such as body inflation and jaw gapes, to deter rivals. Females exhibit egg-guarding behavior post-laying, a distinctive trait amongst this species. The adaptation for survival in its canopy environment includes excellent camouflage and slow movement to avoid predators.
Population
Stable
Photo By sullivanribbit , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Gonocephalus Species
Giant forest dragon