Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Brochures Fall 2018 | Page 71

Meet our Philippine sailfin dragons, Hydrosaurus pustulatus
In 2016, three young adult Philippine sailfin dragons (one male and two female) made
their way from the Oregon Zoo to their new home at the WDC. With their spikes and
crests, and a fan-like sail protruding from the base of the males’ tails, sailfin dragons
somewhat resemble small dinosaurs.
The largest of the agamid family, the four extant species of the genus Hydrosaurus
can reach up to four feet in length, nose to tail. Females, typically two-thirds the size
of males, are oviparous (egg laying). These lizards are perfectly adapted to their
favored riparian habitat, thanks to their unique morphology. Extremely wary, sailfin
dragons flee at the slightest threat of a potential predator (despite their formidable
appearance). Their habit of basking on branches overhanging mountain streams and
slow-moving rivers provides an easy escape route. At the first sign of danger, they will
leap into the water below, running bipedally across the surface, eventually submerging
and swimming away underwater. They can remain submerged for as long as an hour,
if necessary, to evade predation. Omnivorous, the sailfin dragon preys on insects, smaller lizards, small birds and the
occasional rodent. They also will feed on a variety of vegetation, including flowers and berries. One of the longest-lived
agamids, they are capable of living up to twenty-five years of age.
Our sailfin dragons are on display in our north exhibit hall. Plans are underway to create a new habitat with a large water
feature intended to emulate their native habitat, providing a compatible environment to support their natural behavior. They
are well-supported in their present habitat, as evidenced by their successful breeding; we have already had two hatchlings
emerge successfully among the eight eggs laid. We expect to improve our success rate with a renewed effort. Rarely bred in
captivity, the Philippine sailfin dragon is listed as a “vulnerable species” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature.
Creature Feature
Classes
LITTLE NATURALISTS (2-4Y)
Your budding naturalist will explore his world with hands-on, nature-themed experiences, real-life animal encounters, participation in group
activities, and nature walks each month. Please provide your child with appropriate attire for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Location:
Instructor:
Notes:
Wildlife Discovery Center
Instructed by Wildlife Discovery Center Staff
All children in attendance must be registered and accompanied by an adult guardian.
CODE DAYS DATES TIME R/NR
10930303-01 F Sep 14 10:30 am - 11:30 am $10/$12
10930303-02 F Oct 19 10:30 am - 11:30 am $10/$12
10930303-03 F Nov 16 10:30 am - 11:30 am $10/$12
10930303-04 F Dec 14 10:30 am - 11:30 am $10/$12
SATURDAY ZOOKEEPER (9-14Y)
Since 1997, this program has provided opportunities for children to learn the complexities of caring for animals in captivity as well as putting
those skills to use. Children learn proper handling, care and feeding, and biology of many animals as well as other aspects of captive animal
management. One off-site field trip broadens their learning experience. Older students have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills
while mentoring younger participants.
Location:
Instructor:
Notes:
Southeast Classroom, Wildlife Discovery Center
Instructed by Wildlife Discovery Center Staff
Space is limited to allow for maximum interaction.
CODE DAYS DATES TIME R/NR
10940101-01 Sa Sep 8 - Oct 13 9:00 am - 10:30 am $300/$368
10940101-04 Sa Oct 20 - Nov 24 9:00 am - 10:30 am $300/$368
10940101-07 Sa Dec 1 - Dec 15 9:00 am - 10:30 am $78/$94
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