Bearded Dragon: Unveiling the Enchanting World of Gentle Reptiles
Introduction:
Bearded dragons tend to be of a medium size with lizard-like bodies, and their most common species is Pogona. These reptiles are famously called “beardies” because of the oh-so-famous flap of skin under their chin that stretches out and darkens into a beard of spikes when they are stressed or ready to communicate. The calm yet unique appearance of these creatures makes them perfect pets. What’s more, they are easy to take care of too! Beardies are common as pets all around the world and are native to Australia.
Amazing Facts:
They never seize to amaze! Here are some added amazing facts.
- Beard Displays Are Multi-Purpose: Beardies’ puffs are not meant to intimidate alone. It is used during both mating displays and in a dispute over territory. During these confrontations, it is common for males to puff their beards and darken it to jet black as a form of showing aggression.
- They behave according to body’s temperature: Their bask under the sun, or heat lamps, to warm their bodies for activity. But, if they heat themselves too much, they display a behavior termed ‘gaping’ which entails opening their mouths to cool down.
- They can see 360 degrees: Their eyes are located on both sides of their heads so that they can see in almost all direction. This is key for spotting dangers while outside.
- Lose Tail: Some of them can lose their tail. Though not as frequent as it is in geckos, certain species of bearded dragons can shed their tail as a last effort to escape from danger.
- Threat Detection: Birds or other threats that are positioned above can be easily detected with the help of the parietal eye which is sensitive to light and located on the upper part of the head.
- Great Climbers: In the wild, They are great cross-country climbers and usually suntan on rocks, fences and even upper branches of trees to escape ground predators.
- Shed Regualry: Young lizards will shed at least two times a month to grow, while adults shed during certain periods of the year. They shed skin in patches, like snakes do.
Habitat and Diet:
Natural Habitat in the Wild:
- Sparse Vegetation: Their ecosystem is largely composed of shrubs, scattered trees, odorous herbs, and grasses.
- Rocky Outcrops: These provide shallow water on time spots along with a hiding area towards them.
- Temperature: High daytime temperatures reaches well over 100 degrees F, which is much higher than usual.
- Adaptation for Survival: In order to excel further on those conditions, They have stoared tail fat, retained water through excreting uric acid rather then liquid urine, and became dormant to the extreme heat.
Food and Diet:
Because of their primitive digestive system, They are classified as omnivores, meaning they can consume animals and plants. Their diet will change according to what region they live in.
In the wild:
- Insects: Crickets, grasshoppers, ants, termites, and beetles are staple sources of protein.
- Vegetation: Nutrients are available from dry leaves, blooms, and plants such as cacti.
- Occasionally Small Animals: They can feed on small lizards or rodents if there is a lack of food sources.
In captivity:
Pet bearded dragon’s diet must contain a healthy proportion of:
- Insects (Protein): Gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and waxworms for Protein in the form of Insects.
- Vegetables (Fiber and Vitamins): Collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, and squash serve as good sources of Vegetables (Fiber and Vitamins).
- Fruits (Treats): Strawberries, blueberries, mango, and apple make for good Fruits (Treats), but should only be served in low amounts.
- Calcium Supplements: To prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD), it is imperative to take Calcium Supplements.
Pet Ownership Advice:
- Juveniles: Ensure 80% of their diet consists of Insects, and the remaining 20% is vegetables.
- Adults: They should consume more greens and less insects, with an 80% and 20% respectively.
- Dust some food with calcium and vitamin D3 powder 2-3 times every week.
Appearance:
Their bones protrude, and they do not have limbs. This makes them different from the other reptiles. Let us look at their specific characteristics:
- Body Size and Weight: They can reach a height of 24 inches, which includes the tail, and can weigh between 250 to 500 grams. Typically, females are smaller and lighter than males.
- Color Variations: In captivity, selective breeding has produced morphs that are vibrant red, orange, white, and even purple, while wild bearded dragons use tan, brown, and yellow tones for camouflage.
- Beard: A spiky patch of skin located underneath the chin is referred to as a “beard”. When the “beard” is expanded it appears bigger and may turn black.
- Scales: Tough and spiky scales encase their body especially around the beard and sides. These scales act as protection against predators.
- Eyes and Vision: Their have big expressive eyes coupled with great vision. Their capacity to see movement from a distance is very important in staying away from predators and catching prey.
- Tail: The tail which is long and muscular is a balance tail and a fat reservior during times of food scarcity.
Types/Subspecies of Bearded Dragons:
Considered a single species with eight subspecies, the bearded dragon lidnaeus are found in specific regions or habitats within Australia.
Central Bearded Dragon:
- They are the most popular pets.
- These bearded dragons are from central Australia.
Eastern Bearded Dragon:
- Its distributed in eastern Australia.
- This type is slightly larger and darker than other species.
Rankin’s Dragon:
- These are smaller and more milder in nature which makes them the best for new reptile owners.
- These bearded dragons are from Queensland.
Western Bearded Dragon:
- Its distributed in western Australia.
- They have small size.
Dwarf Bearded Dragon:
- These bearded dragons come from offshore islands.
- They are known to be the smallest of all species.
Kimberley Bearded Dragon:
- This species is admirable, yet it is rarely seen outside the wild;
- it originates from the Kimberly region of Australia.
Lawson’s Dragon:
- Aboriginal people of Australia know this dragon through it’s distinct markings.
Mitchell’s Bearded Dragon:
- This aussie beast lives in northwestern Australia and is a regional sub species of Pogona minor.
Predators and Threats:
Natural Predators:
Bearded dragons had many natural enemies in their native regions.
- Birds of Prey: The most common enemies are Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons.
- Dingoes: Bearded dragons are targeted by wild dogs as well.
- Larger Reptiles: Young beardie are often hunted by monitor lizards and goannas.
Defensive Mechanisms:
- Camouflage: A Basset Hound’s Breeder, in order to help disguise them, combines the dominant color of their fur with another color.
- Beard Display: To threaten their enemy, they open their mouth and puff their beard.
- Freezing: They have the ability to remain entirely still until the moment is right.
Human Threats:
Bearded Dragons endure consequences as a result of human actions.
- Habitat Destruction: Construction sites, farming, and mines take their natural habitats.
- Climate Change: The change in temperature and redistribution of rain makes it harder for them to survive.
- Illegal Trade: Even though there are many captive bred pet bearded dragons, catching them for profit will largely reduce their numbers.
Mating and Reproduction:
The methods of bearded dragons reproduction are interesting:
- Courtship: Males try to woo females by headbanging, inflating their throat, and doing push-ups.
- Ovulation: After mating, females produce 10 to 30 eggs and place them in covered sandy pits to keep them safe from threats.
- Shiiting: Depending on incubation temperatures, eggs take anywhere from 55 to 75 days to hatch, and lower temperatures result in longer periods before hatching.
- Parthenogenetic Reproduction: Rarely, unfertilized female beardies can produce eggs that hatch into juveniles.
How do they Communicate?
The following is how bearded dragons communicate:
- Arm Waving: Done by juvenile or submissive dragons, to indicate surrender or recognition dragons.
- Head Bobbing: Dominate patterns are performed through vigorous head bobbing while courtship is shown by gradual head bobbing.
- Beard Puffing: To exhibit power or when in discomfort.
- Color Changes: Dark colors are accepted when showing signs of aggression and stress while bright colors signal preparing for mating or celebrating.
- Tail Curling: When beardies become happy or excited, they lift and curl their tails.
Movies Featuring Bearded Dragons:
Although educational documentaries are the most common medium for bearded dragons to be featured in, they have appeared in some films as well:
- The How To Train Your Dragon Series: The creatures in this animated series demonstrate actions which are typical of a bearded dragon, for example, head bobbing and tail curling.
- The Crocodile Hunter (TV Series): Australian reptiles including bearded dragons were featured in Steve Irwin’s wildlife shows.
- Bearded Dragon Documentaries: Among general wildlife documentaries focusing on Australia, many of them emphasize the ecological importance of bearded dragons.
How would you pronounce it?
- English: Bearded Dragon (beer-did drag-un)
- French: Dragon Barbu (drah-gon bar-boo)
- Spanish: Dragón Barbudo (drah-gon bar-boo-doh)
- German: Bartagame (bart-a-gah-meh)
- Russian: Бородатая агама (Borodataya Agama)
- Chinese (Mandarin): 鬃狮蜥 (Zōng Shī Xī)
- Japanese: ヒゲトカゲ (Hige Tokage)
- Hindi: दाढ़ी वाला छिपकली (Daadhi Wala Chipkali)
FAQs:
Q: Is it true bearded dragons can recognize their owners?
A: Yes, bearded dragons do recognize their owners and actively interact with them in a calm or excited manner.
Q: What is the shedding frequency of bearded dragons?
A: While young, as bearded dragons grow, they will shed quite often, sometimes every few weeks. They have grown and as adults, generally will shed a few times a year.
Q: Do remember bearded dragons aggressive?
A: Bearded Dragons are normally less aggressive and will show Little to no aggression most of the time, except when feeling stressed or threatened.
Q: What temperature should a bearded dragon have?
A: The basking area should be 95-110°F, cooler side should remain in the range of 75-85°F.
Q: Does a bearded dragon require UVB light?
A: Yes, because UVB light is vital for their health, helping them to synthesize vitamin D3 needed for calcium absorption, it is essential.