Learn about Bearded Dragons

Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps. Pogona means ‘beard’ in Greek, for their beard-like scales under the chin. Vitticeps means ‘striped beard’ or ‘striped head’.

Description: The name “bearded dragon” comes from the throat or “beard” of the lizard, which in times of duress can turn black and puff out. Bearded dragons are covered in spiny scales over their entire bodies, which when displayed or puffed out, are used to scare off predators. Males can grow up to 24” long, while females only up to 20” long.

Behavior: Bearded Dragons are semi-arboreal, meaning they spend a large amount of their lifespan in trees or bushes, where they bask during the day and sleep at night. However, adults are highly territorial and will establish territory with displays of aggression towards other dragons. These displays are primarily through color changing and posturing, with vocalizations being rare.

Pogona have a photoreceptor on the center of their forehead called the parietal eye. This “eye” assists in thermoregulation by interpreting the wavelength of the available light.

Diet: Primarily vegetation and fruits, with occasional insects. These lizards are opportunistic omnivores, eating what is readily available.

Range: Bearded dragons are found through Australia, primarily in deserts and shrublands. Their range extended through the interior of the eastern Australian states, to the eastern half of South Australia and the southeastern Northern Territory.

Conservation: The majority of bearded dragons bred as pets are believed to have originated from illegally exported collections in the 1970s; since then Australia has banned the export of native species. Unfortunately the pet industry has overbred and inbred bearded dragons to the point where physical deformities are quite common.

 
How you can help: If you are looking for a bearded dragon as a pet, look into a rescue! Bearded dragons are often surrendered to rescues once their original owners realize they do not have the time or financial means to properly care for the lizard. Reptile rescues are often overrun with bearded dragons in need of a home. Before rescuing a bearded dragon, make sure to do proper research into the necessary care! Bearded dragons require expensive heating and lighting, as well as large enclosures to comfortably move around.