Pogona

Pogona
Pogona vitticeps
Pogona vitticeps - detail of head
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Lacertilia
Family:	Agamidae
Subfamily:	Agaminae
Genus:	Pogona
Species
Pogona barbata Pogona henrylawsoni Pogona microlepidota Pogona minima Pogona minor Pogona nullarbor Pogona vitticeps

Pogona are a genus of lizards containing seven species, which are often known by the common name bearded dragons. The term "bearded dragon" is most commonly used to describe the Central Bearded Dragon. Members of this genus live in the arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and dry open woodlands of Australia. They are adept climbers, spending time on branches and in bushes, even found on fence posts when living near human habitation. Pogona bask on rocks and exposed branches in the mornings and afternoons. The species are found throughout Australia.

Several species of this genus have been domesticated, especially Pogona vitticeps and are often kept as pets or exhibited.

Description

The genus is in the subfamily Agaminae of the family Agamidae. Their characteristics include spiny scales arranged in rows and clusters. These are found on the throat, which can be expanded when threatened, and at the back of the head. The species also displays a hand-waving gesture, this is to show submission between Dragons. They also have a head bobbing act to show dominance. They have the ability to change colour during rivalry challenges between males, and in response to temperature change and other stimuli.They can reach to the size of about 13 to 24 inches.

In captivity

Bearded dragons, agamid lizards of the genus Pogona, are often kept as pets, most commonly Pogona vitticeps, the Inland or Central Bearded Dragon. Pogona describes seven species naturally found in arid, semi-arid woodlands and rocky deserts in central Australia.

They are a popular species among children, because of their friendly and calm nature, along with the relative ease of caring for them.^{[citation needed]} Most bearded dragons kept as pets have broad triangular heads and flattened bodies, with adults reaching approximately 16 to 24 inches (410 to 610 mm) from head to tail and weighing 350 to 600 grams (10 to 20 oz).

Overview

A bearded dragon about to eat a worm.

Bearded dragons originate in the deserts and woodland of Central Australia. They spend much of their time basking in the sun on rocks and low branches. When the weather reaches near 38-50°C or 110 degrees Fahrenheit, Bearded Dragons bury themselves underground to cool down. Being ectothermic, they frequently need to find a balance in temperatures to keep their temperature constant.The origin of these dragons have exposed them to blinding heat full of UVA and UVB sunlight as well as cooler places to rest such as beneath rocks, under leaves or underground. Pogonas are omnivorous and diurnal. They forage for food like small lizards, insects, mammals, flowers, fruit and other plants in the daytime. Wild Bearded dragons are accustomed to catching wild, live insects and small mice. Currently, bearded lizards are bred in captivity worldwide. This is because exporting them from Australia is illegal and, for some species, very limited. Bearded pets that are bred in captivity are just as healthy as wild bearded dragons.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are of comparable size, although males usually sport a larger head, a thicker tail base and slimmer bodies than the females. There are cases where a female has a bigger head and tail than her male counterpart. Mature males will turn their throat pouches (beards) black during courtship to signal dominance, although females have also been known to do the same.

Diet

Bearded Dragon eating Dandelion leaves

Bearded dragons are native to the central Australian desert, where food is often scarce. Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, capable of subsisting on a wide variety of food sources.

A typical captive bearded dragon's diet consists mostly of leafy greens and vegetables, supplemented regularly with insects. Crickets are the most popular feeder choice, but bearded dragons can also be fed other insects such as black soldier fly larvae, locusts, superworms, waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, and even certain varieties of roaches. Young dragons require a significantly greater insect-to-plant matter ratio in their diets than adults.

Not all insects are equally recommended as feeders, however. The mealworm, a popular feeder insect for other kinds of reptiles, has a hard chitin exoskeleton which makes it difficult for dragons to digest. It is also relatively low in nutrients. Waxworms and superworms can be given as occasional treats, but should be fed sparingly as they are extremely fatty (think of these as being the bearded dragon equivalent of chocolate bars). They are best used as food for undernourished or gravid bearded dragons. The size of the insect being fed must also be taken into account. The general rule of thumb is that the food being provided must not be larger than the space between the animal's mouth endings; feeding anything larger could lead to fatal impaction. The distance between the eyes is the quickest way to assess the space between mouth endings.

Suitable leafy green vegetables include collard greens, spring greens, escarole, turnip greens, mustard greens, parsley and carrot tops. Dragons may also eat orange-fleshed squashes, pattypan squash, pumpkins, green beans, peas, carrots or their tops, beetroot, alfalfa (lucerne), celery, rosemary, oregano and basil. Suitable flower greens include dandelion greens, nasturtium, hibiscus, pansies, carnations and rose petals. Suitable fruit includes grapes, strawberries, raspberries, apples, pears, peaches, melons, papayas and mangoes.

Poisonous and dangerous foods

An Eastern Bearded Dragon displays its beard in a threatening position.

Insects captured in the wild are not recommended, due to the increased risk of parasitic exposure and viruses. Fireflies and all other animals with bioluminescent chemicals are fatal to bearded dragons.

Another health hazard is the Sago Palm, a houseplant sold in box stores which is fatal to pets and children.

Diversity

A Bearded Dragon in the defensive, threat display that has earned them their common name.

The following is a list of species in genus Pogona:

• Pogona barbata Cuvier 1829
• Pogona henrylawsoni Wells & Wellington 1985
• Pogona microlepidota Glauert 1952
• Pogona minima Loveridge 1933
• Pogona minor Sternfeld 1919
• Pogona nullarbor Badham 1976
• Pogona vitticeps Ahl 1926

References

• Pogona at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database