Page 24 - Present Day Wildlife_Float

The bearded dragon is a small colourful reptilian lizard. There are 6 recognised species with
3 subspecies* in the genus Pogona, found in the subfamily Amphibolurinae, a member of the family
Agamidae. They are found only in Australia where they inhabit deserts, subtropical woodlands, sa-
vannas, and scrublands. Bearded drag-
ons are small and vary in size from
around 20 to 38cm, though some can
grow as large as 60cm.

*Subspecies
Pogona minor minor
Pogona minor minima
Pogona minor mitchelli

Bearded Dragons have a broad
triangular head and a flattish body that
is covered with somewhat mundane
spiky scales. However, when under
threat, it can put on a show by puffing
itself up and causing its spiky scales to
stick out making itself look menacing
to any would be attacker. Its legs are
long but strong, with feet equipped
with long claw-like toes, making them very adept climbers. They can often be seen scampering up
trees, fences even the sides of buildings.

The ‘Bearded’ part of the Dragons name refers to the underside of the throat, which,
when under stress or threat, can be puffed up and turned black. It also acts as a form of communi-
cation; a head bob may signal dominance, while a slow bob and an arm wave, submission. It can
also change the colours of its bloated throat to catch the attention of a mate. Some species also have
the ability to change their body colour, from bright heat reflecting colours in hot periods, to dark or
black heat absorbing colours in colder periods. Dragons like the sun and can often be seen in many
sunny exposed areas basking in its heat. However, they do not like being too hot, and will quickly
seek out dark shaded areas, even go underground, to cool off if they begin to overheat.

The bearded dragon is an omnivore. It has strong jaws and
can easily crush any hard-shelled prey like beetles and will sup-
plement its diet with the occasional small lizards and rodents if it
happens upon them. It also eats a wide variety of leaves, flowers
and fruits. However, it is not a fussy eater; it simply eats its fill on
whatever’s available at the time. With the onset of winter and the
daylight hours shrinking, food becomes scarce and its then that
some Dragons will enter into a sleep state known as brumation.
This is not hibernation. While animals that hibernate have to
build up a fat reserve to see them through hibernation, this is not
necessary for the Dragon, it can go without food for long periods
of time. However, it must have water, so it must wake up periodi-
cally from brumation and seek out water. Once it finds water and satisfies its needs, it will return to
brumation.

Bearded dragons are not aggressive animals. They are rather placid. This makes them ideal
candidates as pets. In the sixties Australia banned the export of the Dragon, and many countries
have banned their imports. However, before this ruling many dragons had been exported and bred
abroad. In places like America, for instance, they are bred and sold openly as pets. Although they
are not fussy eaters they do require a certain type of environment to live in. Properly housed and
fed, Dragons can live in captivity for around 12 years, while their wild counterpart have a life expec-
tancy of around 9 years. (See: Lizard)