Gonocephalus bornensis

Gonocephalus bornensis
male in Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Borneo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Iguania
Family:Agamidae
Genus:Gonocephalus
Species: G. bornensis
Binomial name
Gonocephalus bornensis
(Schlegel 1848)
Tiaris miotympanum (bottom left) is a synonym of Gonocephalus bornensis. From Günther 1872.[1]

Gonocephalus bornensis, the Borneo anglehead lizard or Borneo forest dragon, is an agamid lizard endemic to Borneo in Indonesia and Malaysia, and known from Sabah, Kinabalu, Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan.[2][3]

Description

Moderately long (SVL up to 136 mm). Males generally larger than females (SVL= 118-136 vs. 90–130 mm; Tail Length=261-310 vs. 215–275 mm). Circular border on supercilium. Tympanum rather small. Weakly granular dorsum with a prominent lanceolate crest starting on neck and terminating on lower back. Tail is almost cylindrical.[3]

Lateral profile of head in threat display

Sub-adult males are generally brown, olive and green on dorsum with laterals, often with dark reticulations. Adult males are predominantly male with indistinct reticulation. Iris deep brown or light blue. Females rust red dorolaterally with oval spots formed from reticulations on the sides of body.[3]

Distribution

Is endemic to Borneo. Found commonly in Mt. Kinabalu, Poring Hot Spring in Sabah, also found in Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan.

Ecology and Natural History

Found in primary and secondary rainforests up to 700 m a.s.l. Arboreal in habit, they live in tree trunks and on lianas often near streams. They deposit eggs in a small burrow dug on soil. Up to four eggs (length 22 mm each) are laid per clutch at intervals of three months.[3]

References

  1. Günther, Albert. "On the reptiles and amphibians of Borneo". Proc. Zool. Soc. London. 1872: 586–600.
  2. Encyclopedia of Life. "Details for: Borneo Forest Dragon". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2013-07-15.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Amphibians and Reptiles of Mount Kinabalu (North Borneo), R. Malkmus, U. Manthey, G. Vogel, P. Hoffmann and J. Kosuch. 2002. A.R.G . Gantner Verlag Kommanditgesellschaft, FL 9491 Ruggell
  • Encyclopedia of Life. "Details for: Borneo Forest Dragon". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2013-07-15.
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