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IUCN status: Least ConcernJavan Flying Dragon at a glance
The Javan Flying Dragon (Draco volans) is a reptile in the family Agamidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, Central Java. Diet: ant- and termite-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Draco volans |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Bengkarung Terbang Biasa |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Bali, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 486 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) — ant- and termite-eater (insectivore) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · Animal Diversity Web: Draco volans |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Active from about 8 to 11 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. into the afternoon. · Draco volans (Flying lizard) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology |
In this guide (12)
What is the Javan Flying Dragon?
Javan Flying Dragon refers to Draco volans, in the genus Draco, 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 Javan Flying Dragon?
The Javan flying dragon glides on rib-supported skin membranes; it has neither bird wings nor bat wings.
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 Javan Flying Dragon?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 486 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, Bali, Central Java. 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 Javan Flying Dragon?
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 Javan Flying Dragon with Indian Garden Lizard, Great Crested Canopy Lizard, Common Four-clawed Gecko. 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 Javan Flying Dragon
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Draco |
| Species | Draco volans |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Javan Flying Dragon
What is the scientific name of the Javan Flying Dragon?
The scientific name of the Javan Flying Dragon is Draco volans, in the family Agamidae. In Indonesian it is called Bengkarung Terbang Biasa.
What kind of animal is the Javan Flying Dragon?
The Javan Flying Dragon is a reptile in the family Agamidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a ant- and termite-eater (insectivore).
Where does the Javan Flying Dragon live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Javan Flying Dragon summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Javan Flying Dragon eat?
The Javan Flying Dragon is a ant- and termite-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Javan Flying Dragon reproduce?
The Javan Flying Dragon reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Javan Flying Dragon venomous?
No. The Javan Flying Dragon is not venomous. The belief that this flying lizard is poisonous is false. Source: Animal Diversity Web: Draco volans.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Javan Flying Dragon nocturnal?
The cited source records the Javan Flying Dragon as diurnal (active by day). Active from about 8 to 11 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. into the afternoon. Source: Draco volans (Flying lizard) - Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Javan Flying Dragon?
Scientific classification of the Javan Flying Dragon: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Agamidae, genus Draco, species Draco volans.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Javan Flying Dragon endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Javan Flying Dragon 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 Javan Flying Dragon 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 ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- 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. Javan Flying Dragon (Draco volans). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/draco-volans/