Binghamton Zoo Animals

Inland Bearded Dragon

(Pogona Vitticeps)
Order: Squamata
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Pogona
Species: Pogona Vitticeps

HABITAT AND RANGE: Inland Bearded Dragons are native to central Australia. They prefer semi-arid to arid woodlands and rather warm temperatures (about 80-105 F). Since they are semi-arboreal, they may be found either on the ground or perched on branches. In Australia, they are often seen basking on fence posts.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Bearded Dragons are mid-sized lizards, generally reaching 18-24 inches in length. They tend to have broad, almost triangular-shaped heads, with distinct tympanic membranes (eardrums) and a broad, fleshy tongue. There is a row of spines formed from modified scales along each side of the body, extending to the forearms. The name “Bearded Dragon” comes from a spiny jaw pouch which resembles a beard when swollen or puffed out. Coloration is widely varied, with colors including pale gray, greenish gray, brown, reddish brown and even orange.

ADAPTATIONS: An Inland Bearded Dragon’s most adaptation is its beard, which serves as a means of defense, as well as communication. When puffed out, the spiky beard makes predators think twice about attacking. If the Dragon is angry, the beard will darken until it is black. The males’ beards will also turn black during courtship and breeding. Bearded Dragons are social animals and communicate with a variety of gestures. To show dominance, they may puff out their beards, bob their heads and open their mouths. They may also circle one another, flattening and tilting their bodies in order to make themselves look bigger. To show submission or non-aggression, they will raise one arm and hold it still or slowly wave it in circles. If several bearded dragons are housed together, the males will compete for dominance and breeding rights.

Cold-blooded animals, Bearded Dragons also have several adaptations to help them regulate body temperature. Their bulky bodies and habit of basking allow them to store heat, enabling them to operate at lower temperatures than some other reptiles. They can also endure extremely high temperatures for several hours, since they can regulate body temperature by evaporation. Bearded Dragons may also change shades of color, from light to dark. In addition to regulating body temperature, this may also aid in camouflage. Like most Australian desert lizards, Bearded Dragons often escape predators by rising on their hind legs and running bipedally. Though they cannot run as fast as on four feet, this behavior may help with temperature control. Their bodies are lifted off the hot ground when running, allowing for more efficient heat dispersal.

DIET: Bearded Dragons are omnivores and consume many types of insects, small invertebrates and vegetation, including fruits and flowers. At the Zoo, they are fed a variety of foods, including crickets, Romaine lettuce, chopped vegetables and canned dog food. They are also given calcium and vitamin supplements.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Inland Bearded Dragons become sexually mature at 1 or 2 years. Females typically lay 11-20 leathery, oblong eggs in early summer. The eggs are laid in nests as deep as 7 inches, dug in sandy soil. The female will defend the nest while she is laying the eggs, but afterward it is left unattended and no parental care is given. When the babies hatch, they dig their way out of the nest. Hatchlings are about 3-4 inches long and will more than double their size in the first 2 months.

STATUS IN WILD: Inland Bearded Dragons are not considered endangered or threatened.