Bearded Dragon
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Pogona barbata
Habitat: Bearded dragons can be found in the savannahs, arid and tropical forests, and shorelines of central and eastern Australia.
Diet: Bearded dragons are opportunistic omnivores meaning they will eat almost anything that they can fit in their mouths including both plant matter, insects, and even small rodents.
Size: 1.5 to 2 feet long
Weight: 0.8 to 1.1 pounds
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years in the wild. 10 to 15 years in human care.
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Bearded Dragon:
Mushu (Female) – Estimated Date of Birth January 2018
Did You Know?!
- Bearded dragons are named for their beard: a dewlap, or chin-fold- that features many spikes and can expand. Bearded dragons usually expand their beard when they are stressed, mating, or claiming territory.
- Both male and female bearded dragons have these beards and they can change to a darker color when the lizard is especially upset.
- Bearded dragons are agile lizards that can be quick when they want to be, but are usually rather docile.
- Bearded dragons have sharp claws that are good for digging or latching onto a log or branch. They can climb and have even been observed swimming.
- Although it is not common, bearded dragons can run on their two back legs rather than all four.