Physignathus cocincinus

(Cuvier, 1829)

Vernacular names
English : Chinese water dragon
French : Dragon d’eau de Cochinchine

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Agamidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adult males can reach up to 1 meter in total length, females being smaller and lighter colored. Very long tail, spiny dorsal crest, longer in males. Coloration is usually bright green, males having purplish throat. Head triangular.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-east Asia, from extreme south China to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It has been introduced in Taiwan. Lives in humid tropical and subtropical forests, often near streams.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is more and more threatened because of loss of its habitat by deforestation and, locally, collection for the pet trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Agamas, Iguanas and relatives” page