Known as the Gonocephalus abbbotti in the world of zoology the Chinese tree dragon has only recently attracted the interest of the western world. This unique reptile has only recently made its way into the U.S. Part of the lizard family the Chinese tree dragon is admired for its beauty.
The genus of lizard that the tree frog is related to is the agamidae. The Chinese tree dragon has been categorized as part of the traditional lizard family. They are also a relation to the New World iguanids we see today.
Their distinct features are characteristic of their lineage. The have a geometrical head and a lengthy size tail that is almost as lengthy as its body. Similar to other lizards, the possibilities of its tail severing from its body is likely, especially when defending itself. Unfortunately, unlike most other lizards the Chinese tree dragon’s tail is not known to regenerate once it is torn off. They also have useful little claws for burrowing and ascending up trees.
The Chinese tree dragon is a meat eating lizard that lays eggs. One of the special qualities of the tree dragon is its amazing eyesight. This enhanced sense is coupled with the ability to change colors which allows it to camouflage itself in its environment.
The Chinese tree dragon is a native of southeastern Asia. It is also found in the island country of Australia. The lizard can range from ten inches in length to up to twenty four inches. The crest that they sport on their heads that extends all the way down to their tails bares resemblance to the water dragon.
The male is differentiated from the female by the large dewlap which often has spikes on its outer edge. The lizard has the ability to lower the dewlap. The legs of the male are generally longer than the female and so is the tail. The Chinese tree dragon is known to inflict a rather painful bight using its large mouth.
This dragon’s name is derived from its habitat. They exist in the dense tropical and mountain rainforests of Southeastern Asia. They can be found occasionally in the dense underbrush but favor elevation. Interestingly, they also enjoy basking in the warmth, but will require access of water to do so. Their continued existence is also dependent on a proper temperature range which will enable them to flourish.
The Chinese tree dragon gets its daily source of essential nutrients by feeding on a wide variety of insects. The cricket, small vertebrates, mealworms and earthworms are a regular on the dragon’s menu. When the tree dragon is kept as a pet the owner will be required to make use of vitamin supplements in order to give the lizard its daily dose of essential nutrients.
Keeping the tree dragon as a pet will also require you to arrange for some sort of a water body for the lizard. It requires a humid environment and has the ability to breed all year round.
Chinese Dragon Crafts are becoming more popular. For more reading about a comparable subject click on the link to Water Dragons.