Rain Forest Dragon is found in both upland and lowland rainforest, and is often seen around Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.It is restricted to the rainforests of northern Queensland in Australia. It has very enlarged cheek scales, a prominent crest, and a yellow dewlap under its chin. Adults are sexually dimorphic, with males larger than females and having larger, blockier heads.
It spends the greater part of its time hanging on the trunks of trees, usually at around head height, although daily movements can exceed up to 100 meters’. When approached, it will usually move around to the opposite side of the tree, keeping the trunk between it and its harasser. Diet consists mainly of invertebrates, with earthworms making up a relatively high proportion. Small fruits and vertebrates are also occasionally consumed. Reproduction is via eggs, with clutch sizes varying from one to six eggs. Females in lowland populations may lay more than one clutch in a season.
Both males and females are appear to be territorial, with males defending an area of around 1,000 square meters. Female territories are smaller, with male territories often containing the territories of more than one female. Lizards commence activity at dawn and cease activity at dusk, remaining active even during rains. Activity is highly seasonal, all but cease during the cooler months, when lizards move into the rainforest shelter.
It spends the greater part of its time hanging on the trunks of trees, usually at around head height, although daily movements can exceed up to 100 meters’. When approached, it will usually move around to the opposite side of the tree, keeping the trunk between it and its harasser. Diet consists mainly of invertebrates, with earthworms making up a relatively high proportion. Small fruits and vertebrates are also occasionally consumed. Reproduction is via eggs, with clutch sizes varying from one to six eggs. Females in lowland populations may lay more than one clutch in a season.
Both males and females are appear to be territorial, with males defending an area of around 1,000 square meters. Female territories are smaller, with male territories often containing the territories of more than one female. Lizards commence activity at dawn and cease activity at dusk, remaining active even during rains. Activity is highly seasonal, all but cease during the cooler months, when lizards move into the rainforest shelter.
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