Boyd's Forest Dragon

Boyd’s forest dragon is one of Australia’s most charismatic reptiles, instantly recognisable by its spiky crest, dragon-like appearance, and earthy camouflage. Native to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, this species is particularly unique among Australian dragons due to its cool, damp, and shaded forest habitat, quite unlike the arid environments preferred by many of its desert cousins.

Its mottled colouring of greens, browns, and greys allows it to disappear seamlessly into the mossy trunks and leafy understory of the rainforest. A tall, spiny crest runs from the back of the head down the spine, giving it its dragon-like name. Unlike most lizards, Boyd’s forest dragon is not particularly fast or skittish, in fact, it often remains motionless for long periods, relying on camouflage rather than speed to evade predators.

Unusually for a lizard, this species is largely diurnal and arboreal, spending most of its life perched vertically on tree trunks. It’s one of the few reptiles that maintains a relatively stable body temperature by adapting to the cool, shaded microclimate of the rainforest rather than basking in direct sun. When threatened, it will slowly circle around the tree trunk to keep the tree between itself and the threat, a behaviour known as "tree shuffling."

Boyd’s forest dragon feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, such as beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, but it will also take small vertebrates like frogs or lizards if the opportunity arises. During the breeding season, males display by puffing up their throat and bobbing their heads to assert dominance or attract a mate. Females lay clutches of 6 to 9 eggs in moist soil or leaf litter, where the temperature determines the sex of the offspring.

These dragons are sensitive to environmental change and are considered indicators of rainforest health. As such, they’re an important species for monitoring the impacts of habitat degradation and climate change in Queensland’s wet tropics.

Did You Know?

Unlike many lizards, Boyd’s forest dragons don’t drop their tails when threatened. Their tails are critical for balance as they climb and leap through the dense forest understory. So instead, they rely on camouflage and sudden bursts of movement to escape danger.