Asian water dragon News

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Two clouded leopard cubs with large paws and thick spotted fur rest together on a large tree limb
December 26, 2019

2019’s Conservation Stories Worth Celebrating (Part Two) ›

As 2019 comes to a close, we’re continuing to reflect on some of this year’s biggest conservation success stories.

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July 05, 2019

Asian Water Dragon Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›

A 2-year-old female Asian water dragon who was the first documented birth by facultative parthenogenesis in her species died from blood cancer.

Asian water dragon mother (top) and parthenogenic offspring (bottom).
June 07, 2019

Life Finds a Way: Parthenogenesis in Asian Water Dragons ›

For four years, the Reptile Discovery Center’s Asian water dragon female lived alone. Then, while examining eggs as part of a study, animal keepers made a shocking discovery—one was fertile! How could a female lay a fertile egg without a mate? They turned to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology...

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June 05, 2019

Scientists Confirm Facultative Parthenogenesis in Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Asian Water Dragon ›

Life found a way at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where a female Asian water dragon at the Reptile Discovery Center underwent facultative parthenogenesis—that is, she reproduced and contributed a healthy, thriving offspring to her species despite never breeding with a male or receiving genetic...