Sailfin Dragon Please note, this is how we personally keep our reptiles and does not mean it will work for everyone. All information listed below is our suggestion and you should do what works best for your reptile. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] Article featured in Herpetoculture Magazine, March 2020. OVERVIEW The Philippine Sailfin Dragon, Hydrosaurus pustulatus, is an oviparous Since they require substantial amounts of water to drink, bathe and defecate lizard that is endemic in the Philippines. Hydro meaning water and saurus in (yes, they use their water as the bathroom), it is essential to provide fresh meaning lizard, they spend their time near mountain streams and in the water at all times. We recently implemented filtration systems in some of tropical rainforest. They are equipped with flattened toes and a “sail” like our enclosures to prevent stagnant water and bacteria. In addition, daily tail that helps propel them through the water where they can remain “showers” are highly suggested. If you consider their natural habitat, they submerged for long periods of time. experience plenty of rainfall throughout the day, which I try to replicate in their captive environment. You will often see them drink from the sprayed There are three recognized species in the genus Hydrosaurus; amboinensis, water and even clean themselves with their large feet. As arboreal lizards, pustulatus and weberi, and are the largest lizard in the Agamidae family. their enclosure should consist of multiple basking spots, which can be The Philippine Sailfin Dragon is recognizable by its stunning magenta achieved with large branches and ledges, and areas of shade to cool down and indigo coloring and have been referred to as resembling modern- in. Optimal temperatures are 115-degree basking spots with an 80 to 85 day dinosaurs. Males develop more of this coloring as they age and can degree ambient temperature. Mercury vapor bulbs work great to achieve reach approximately three and a half feet in length. Although females are both UVB and heat levels but should be supplemented with additional UVB not as large and do not develop the same level of coloring as their male and heat sources depending on the enclosure size. counterparts, they are as equally impressive with patterns of yellow, green, and brown. Although the ideal enclosure would be all glass to view these stunning lizards basking and swimming all day, nose rub is a prevalent issue and Being that the Sailfin is such an incredible lizard, it’s unfortunate to know therefore visual barriers must be used. In my experience, a visual barrier at that they are on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) least three feet high on all sides of the enclosure is sufficient. Avoid any type Red List as a vulnerable species. Destruction of their natural habitat in of wire that they can rub their faces against and also take into consideration the Philippines has drastically reduced their population numbers. With maintaining a high humidity level when choosing materials. Cypress mulch specialized environment needs, habitat loss is detrimental to their status is our suggested substrate since it holds humidity and does not mold easily. and makes the need for conservation efforts even more imperative. And although there have been efforts, such as the Philippines “Wildlife FEEDING Resources Conservation and Protection Act” enacted in 2001 to conserve Sailfin Dragons are omnivores whose diet consists of items from the insect, natural resources and habitats, the Sailfin Dragon is often hunted for food animal, fruit and vegetable groups. My adults are offered salads every other and is illegally collected for the pet trade, which impacts their already day that are a combination of, but not limited to, chicken, turkey, eggs, dwindling numbers. collard greens, escarole, dandelion greens, kale, squash, peppers, carrots, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwis and mangos. Avoid using too HOUSING much fruit, as excessive sugar is not healthy. In addition, they are offered Due to the Sailfin’s large size and need for constant access to fresh water, superworms, hornworms and dubia roaches weekly and pinkies monthly. creating the ideal enclosure is critical to their wellbeing in captivity. My Hatchlings are offered crickets daily, finely chopped salads a few times a week journey to the perfect enclosure has been long and is still evolving, with and butterworms, waxworms and mealworms occasionally. All insects and my adult enclosures ranging in size up to 6 feet long, 3 feet deep and 6 feet salads should be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. It is best tall. All custom built, I started with wood which led to mold and humidity to offer food in the morning so they can spend the remainder of the day issues and now construct fully waterproofed enclosures made of stone. basking in the heat, which aids in digestion of key nutrients and supplements. HANDLING “Are they aggressive,” is the most frequent question I am asked by people they would injure themselves when I got close to them and some were interested in Sailfin Dragons. My answer is always no, but they do have getting minor to severe nose rub. After feeling discouraged about my ability varying levels of tolerance for interaction. I have a few that will allow me to care for this dream species, I became determined to figure out the best to pet them and pick them up with no problem and I have others that way to keep them happy and healthy. After numerous modifications to become skittish when I simply walk by their enclosures. With that said, of their enclosures, water systems, feeding and handling techniques and heat all the reptiles I have kept, the Sailfin Dragon is one lizard that with time and humidity levels, I have now had the opportunity to successfully keep and patience can learn to trust you. For example, I obtained an adult male a over 10 adult Sailfin Dragons and many hatchlings and juveniles. I’ve found few years ago and he was terrified of me. I could hardly put a bowl of food that each one has different requirements and personalities, which, in my in the enclosure without him running into the walls and injuring himself. I opinion, makes it even more exciting to work with them. I am by no means found the best way to gain his trust was to give him space, and over time, he a professional on the subject matter, but I am able to offer this care advice grew accustomed to me. It is fascinating because I am now the only person from many years of hands-on-experience with these incredible lizards. Even he allows in his enclosure. This is one of the main reasons why I appreciate after working with a variety of other reptiles, the Sailfin Dragon is by far these lizards so much. It might be a long journey for a few of them, but with the most remarkable in my opinion and can be a rewarding reptile for the lots of patience you can gain their trust and experience how calm they can be. experienced keeper if given the proper care and a little patience. BREEDING Kasey Schultz I have been fortunate to successfully breed the Sailfin Dragon in captivity. Owner, Zion Hill Exotics LLC There is little information available about breeding, so my first experiences www.zionhillexotics.com were on a trial and error basis. I lost a few eggs along the way, but have a higher hatch rate as my knowledge grows. In my experience with breeding, the most challenging part of the process is finding a tolerable pair. A few of my Sailfins have bonded, some only tolerate short interactions for breeding purposes, while others are aggressive and cannot be put together at all. It is crucial to their health and wellbeing that both the male and female are of similar size and mature age. When putting a pair together, it is important to monitor their behavior for signs of aggression and elevated stress levels. Females will begin to lay infertile eggs around two years of age and typically lay two clutches of approximately four to eight eggs. When females reach the egg-laying age, provide them with a lay box made of sand and dirt, as they will bury their eggs in this substrate. In my experience, eggs have been successfully hatched when incubated for 65-75 days at 85 degrees. CONCLUSION Although there is an adequate amount of care and background information on Sailfin Dragons in books and on the internet, I found answers to any questions or concerns beyond general care information was hard to find. After acquiring my first Philippine Sailfin Dragon and having only a basic knowledge of their care, it became evident that they needed optimal conditions in order to thrive in captivity, which is why I would not consider them a beginner reptile. As I acquired more Sailfins, my list of questions and concerns grew. Some of my Sailfins weren’t eating, some were so skittish .