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IUCN status: Least ConcernGreat Crested Canopy Lizard at a glance
The Great Crested Canopy Lizard (Bronchocela jubata) is a reptile in the family Agamidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta. Diet: insect-eater in the tree canopy (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Bronchocela jubata |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Bunglon Surai |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 1,330 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater in the tree canopy (insectivore) · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (12)
What is the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
Great Crested Canopy Lizard refers to Bronchocela jubata, in the genus Bronchocela, family Agamidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
The maned forest lizard is a slender arboreal agamid with a crest along the neck and back; its local 'chameleon' label is not a taxonomic classification.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 1,330 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Great Crested Canopy Lizard with Javan Flying Dragon, Indian Garden Lizard, Oriental Whipsnake. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Great Crested Canopy Lizard
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Bronchocela |
| Species | Bronchocela jubata |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Great Crested Canopy Lizard
What is the scientific name of the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
The scientific name of the Great Crested Canopy Lizard is Bronchocela jubata, in the family Agamidae. In Indonesian it is called Bunglon Surai.
What kind of animal is the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
The Great Crested Canopy Lizard is a reptile in the family Agamidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater in the tree canopy (insectivore).
Where does the Great Crested Canopy Lizard live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Great Crested Canopy Lizard summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Great Crested Canopy Lizard eat?
The Great Crested Canopy Lizard is a insect-eater in the tree canopy (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the Great Crested Canopy Lizard reproduce?
The Great Crested Canopy Lizard reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Great Crested Canopy Lizard nocturnal?
The cited source records the Great Crested Canopy Lizard as diurnal (active by day). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Great Crested Canopy Lizard?
Scientific classification of the Great Crested Canopy Lizard: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Agamidae, genus Bronchocela, species Bronchocela jubata.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Great Crested Canopy Lizard endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Great Crested Canopy Lizard is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Great Crested Canopy Lizard is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Great Crested Canopy Lizard (Bronchocela jubata). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bronchocela-jubata/