MagnaRep: Reptiles & Exotics, Rescue & Support is a non-funded voluntary charity specialising in the care, rehabilitation and support of exotic species including reptiles, birds, invertebrates & Marsupials. We were setup for the animals and general public with the aim to pass along in dependant information based on fact, evidence and research in house and outsourced. As such, all the information within our care documents is for the benefit of the animal, not the pet shops or money making organizations nor for the benefit or convenience of the pet owners. Please bear that in mind. Keeping a pet means you have a duty and responsibility to that animal, whether convenient to you or not! We are providing properly sourced information and proven fact and researched care methods. As such, some of the information in our documents WILL be contradictory to care documents found online and in pet shops. This is our aim. To make sure you know what is right, and not what will make someone else money. Tel: 0844 330 3668 http://www.magnarep.org/ http://www.magnarep.co.uk/ Email: magnarep@live.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1166622 1
Striped Water Dragon Care Sheet Introduction Firstly, I would like to point out the information on this species is quite hard to find. To make it easier if you are searching for information use their Latin name (Physignathus temporalis) Also known as Irian Jaya Water Dragons as this is their species most populated region. This species is a hardy, fast and intelligent species found in Irian Jaya region of Indonesia and also across the sea in northern Australia. They are smaller than their cousins the Chinese Water Dragons and can be more flighty too but still make great pets and are very inquisitive Longevity The Irian Jaya Dragon has an expected life span in captivity of around 12-15 years but records indicate they could live past 20 years Housing / Vivarium These Water dragons require substantial space to flourish. Most people do not give them the correct amount of space leading to health concerns. We recommend for a single or pair of adults (adults reach a maximum of 2
19inches in length nose to tip ) a vivarium no smaller than 6ft tall x 4ft wide x2ft deep. Juveniles can have less space but this must be in proportion to their body size.. The housing must contain lots of Plants and shrubbery for use as hiding places. It must also contain a large water receptacle as this species tends to spend a lot of time bathing. We recommend using a 2ft fish tank as a base and growing aquatic plants that are reptile safe such as Mangroves, Duckweed and Hosta. Make sure there is an adequate filter that creates gentle water movement so that you can keep the water cleaner for longer. We also recommend drilling a hole in the base of the tank and adding a ball valve or tap to allow the waste to be drained from the tank and the water refilled with ease. Substrate As this species comes from tropical environments and requires high humidity, we believe the best solution to substrate is to use a tank for their water that fits the whole base of the arboreal vivarium. This way you minimise impaction risk whist providing the biggest source of water you can which also would be reflective of their natural habitat. If you are to use substrates. We advice non fertilized Top soil made bio active, covered with large coarse orchid bark. The orchid bark should sit roughly 1.5inches thick on top of the soil. This will sop the dragons from eating the soil whilst hunting, they are too small to get the orchid bark in their mouths so impaction risk will be minimal. Water We have already covered the basics above, so heres a handy tip. It rains a lot in their home countires so try adding a rain or fog system to make it look natural and interesting. You can also then dot small bowls around their 3
enclosure that will fill up when it rains, giving them multiple drinking spots. They will also drink from leaves and dripping water when it rains. Diet Striped Water Dragons are Mainly Insectivores but will readily accept feeder shrimp and raw fish too. Feed on a primary diet of Roaches, Locusts and mealworms, supplemented regularly with Calci-dust and Nutrobal. As a treat, offer them wax worms and fruit beetle grubs. Always make sure you give size appropriate food. Never give anything bigger than the space between their eyes. Calcium/vitamin deficiency Sadly, this is one of the most common problems with exotics today. They are not getting anywhere near enough UV radiation, access to vitamins, etc. This can have a permanent effect on your pet. I would advise using the vitamin supplements named in the Diet section in the order given, so this problem will not happen. Too little D3 is used, this is what causes MBD (metabolic bone disease), so be sure this does NOT happen to your pets. Be warned however. Using too much can cause overdose, this is rare but does happen. I would consider a level teaspoon per Feed more than enough and i would consider a heaped teaspoon a little too much. Always have Calcium & Multivitamin powders in stock, you will need them and they are considered a necessity to any exotic pet you are keeping 4
Lighting, Heating and Temperatures Little can be found regarding their habits in the wild but from studying this species here is our recommendations. Due to the humid environments in the wild we believe that the ambient humidity should always be around 65-85% Humidity depending on the area of the vivarium, with the hottest pats being no less than 65% and the cooler area being around 85%. They require a basking area of 95-110oF with the heat gradient being at the cool end 65oF at the lowest. They require supplemental UV Lighting and we suggest a Arcadia 10% D3+ bulb being fitted vertically down the enclosure due to its height. Vet check up You should always get a vet check up done at least every 12 months. It is important to check whether your pet is healthy as some minor mistakes in husbandry can make the animal very ill. Therefore you need to get a faecal exam, and a general health check up. A good place to start is by finding a good vet for your exotic pet. Not all vets are considered good and some do not treat reptiles so find the right veterinary practice now before an emergency may arise. It s not going to be easy finding a trusted vet; however, it is necessary for your pets safety. Exotic animals can get many different kinds of parasites, as a result if left untreated, can seriously harm your pet, or kill them, so this is very vital to your pets care and health. A faecal exam is the easiest way to solve this problem. Blood tests are a brilliant way of telling if your animal is healthy or not. There are different types of test but a basic test will be a good indicator of illness. Although it is costly it is Possibly going to save your animals life. 5
Written from Experience by; Nick Wilburn Founding Trustee & Chief Rescue Agent MagnaRep: Reptiles & Exotics, Rescue & Support 6