Reptile · Agamid
Giant forest dragon care guide
Gonocephalus grandis
The giant forest dragon is a advanced-level agamid from Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo. Adults reach 45–60 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Cool, humid, tall build; overheating is a common killer.
- Enclosure 90 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp 24–28°C, basking 30°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a giant forest dragon cost in Canada?
Giant forest dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 45–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 60 × 120 cm (35 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C, basking 30°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Giant forest dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 60 × 120 cm (35 × 24 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 24–28°C, basking 30°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a giant forest dragon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and stress-prone; display animal.
Health watch: Heat stress, dehydration and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a giant forest dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 60 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Giant forest dragon FAQ
Is the giant forest dragon good for beginners?
The giant forest dragon is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Shy and stress-prone; display animal.
What size enclosure does a giant forest dragon need?
At least 90 × 60 × 120 cm (about 35 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a giant forest dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $1290–2240 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant forest dragon need?
Temperature: 24–28°C, basking 30°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a giant forest dragon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.