The 1990s marked a revolutionary breakthrough in the popularity of reptiles. During this “Decade of the Dragon,” larger Asian and Australian members of the family Agamidae, popularly called “dragons,” became readily available and established in herpeto-culture. Their natural tameness and captivating appearance caused them to soar to the top of the exotic pet charts. As a result, several of these dragons are now captive bred in considerable numbers. By far, the most popular is the inland bearded dragon, a desert species that is destined to overcome the green iguana as the second most widely kept lizard in America (the first is the green anole). Following the bearded dragon in popularity is the subject of this book, the green water dragon, a remarkable species currently imported by the thousands from Southeast Asia. These spectacular animals offer many of the good qualities of green iguanas with fewer problems.
Indeed, green water dragons have a lot going for them. They only grow half as long as green iguanas and, although they only achieve a total length of 2 to 3 feet, they are substantial lizards that are much more easily accommodated in indoor facilities. Their attractive appearance combines heavy-bodied proportions, bright green to blue green coloration, a large head, and large eyes, characteristics that appeal to a large number of first time reptile owners. One of their nicest features is their docility. Once established, the great majority of water dragons become calm and tame. Unlike green iguanas, they are not prone to biting or tail-whipping as a defensive behavior and their temperament remains consistent, even after they’ve reached sexual maturity. Their carnivorous habits also make them less susceptible to diet-related diseases than the primarily herbivorous green iguana. For those interested in their commercial possibilities, another great characteristic of green water dragons is that they readily breed in captivity. This makes them a potentially sustainable resource and can help reduce collection of wild specimens. As you’ve probably figured out, I have nothing but high praise for this special lizard.
This book also covers other groups of lizards that are called “dragons” and generally found near water, including the Australian water dragon, a beautiful species related to green water dragons, and sailfin lizards. The latter are the largest members of the family Agamidae and, in appearance, the species that most closely resemble the mythical dragons pictured in medieval paintings. As pets, all of these species generally have similar requirements.
Basilisks, the New World lizards most closely related to iguanas, are also imported in fair numbers for the pet trade. I included them in this book for two reasons. First, they are extremely dragonlike in appearance and, second, their requirements are almost identical to the other species covered here. Although their nervousness and tendency for flight have kept them from being as popular as bearded dragons and green water dragons, for serious keepers, few lizards are more impressive display animals.
With the exception of sailfin lizards Hydrosaurus, which I consider a specialist species, the lizards covered in this book are among the finest available for keeping indoors. I think any prospective owner, just as I have, will find great rewards in the daily observation and care of these remarkable tropical lizards.