The bearded dragon | Facts & Information

Origin

It is a diurnal, desert lizard. It prefers dry, warm areas, but also arid forests and bushes. Rocky terrain is preferred because the stones offer good places to stay in the sun, but also shade and hiding places.

The bearded Agama is one of the species of the genus pogona, family agamidae, widespread throughout Australia and only here. The bearded dragon is the most famous of them.

Since the ' 60s the trade in lizards taken from the Wild has been banned. Currently the specimens sold in pet - shops come exclusively from captive breeding.

Feeding Bearded Dragon

Bearded Agamas are opportunistic omnivores.

They are not too picky and are content with whatever food source they have at their disposal. Adults are generally herbivores (80%).

They feed on various leaves, fruits or segments of plants, which they hardly find in the desert.

Do not refuse even insects, rodents or other small lizards.

Features Bearded Dragon

The bearded Agama is one of the most beloved companion reptiles. And no wonder! This "treasure" of the australian desert proves a lot of docility, friendliness and robustness.

It can be the number 1 choice for a beginner "reptilist", and at the same time captivates even the most experienced reptile lovers. A family with young children can find in Agama a reliable "scaly" companion for juniors.

The lizard loves to be pampered and is not aggressive. But before we bring a bearded agama home, let's get to know her as she is in the natural environment.

The bearded Agama is one of the species of the genus pogona, family agamidae, widespread throughout Australia and only here. The bearded dragon is the most famous of them.

Adults can reach up to 60 cm in length, with the tail measuring just over half of this value. Sexual dimorphism is well marked in mature specimens. The male shows a broad head, more robust limbs, longer and thicker tail. The female has a finer head, limbs and tail, but a thicker body.

The attribute of "bearded" is correctly associated with the name of the lizard. In the neck area the reptile shows an extensible goiter, impounded with a lot of scales in the form of spikes. When the animal is irritated it inflates its goiter, which appears as a mace with barbs.

Generally the spines have a darker shade than the rest of the body. Agamas can have a lot of colors: from Brown and pale gray, to yellow, orange and red. We can also find white or greenish specimens. In captivity the color palette was even more diverse.

Lizards can change color. Not in a very obvious way, like the chameleon, but they can go through more close shades. This is especially the case for measuring the amount of heat. Lighter skin absorbs less heat.

Let's see what the role of the thorny collar is. Of course in defense, for intimidating the attacker. When the lizard is threatened it will grab its spiky collar and open its mouth wide. This way she will appear bigger and more aggressive. This outfit is accompanied by a specific sound of the type of hasait.

Normally Agamas are solitary reptiles. They rarely gather in groups, usually at popular sunbathing or feeding sites. In such situations, a social hierarchy is established. The dominant male will acquire the best place for "tanning", represented by the Stone located at the highest height.

He also has priority at the source of food. The other lizards stretch from top to bottom, around the leader according to the status in the group. If another male challenges the leader then the power struggle takes place. The dominant male will inflate his beard and perform a "nodding" dance from top to bottom as quickly as possible.

The opponent can give in or counterattack in the same way. The gesture of submission is represented by"waving". The submissive male will rotate one of his front legs while leaning on the other 3. With smooth movements will execute movements in the form of circles. This behavior is also expressed when two Agamas meet and is an act of species identification or perhaps a form of greeting.

Nodding also has several connotations. Brisk movements denote dominance. The female conquered by a male will nod slightly to manifest her desire for mating. Violent nodding is characterized by males as a gesture of conquest. The better he masters the technique, the more likely he is to be chosen by a female.

The bearded Agama is able to walk on two legs. At certain times the reptile will rise and run on its hind legs. It does not give it more speed, but it has the role of cooling the body better. The abdomen is better ventilated and protected from the heat released by the sand.

In the same context, the agama is one of the few lizards that step on all four legs, not touching the ground with its belly. Strong legs manage to hold the trunk at some distance from the ground.

Breeding Bearded Dragon

The Bearded Dragon reaches sexual maturity at 1.5-2 years. The female will choose the most talented male to "nod".

Sexual intercourse lasts very little. The female has the ability to hold the male's sperm in the abdomen and fertilize the next series of eggs.

This is an adaptation to the harsh desert life, where it is very difficult to find a sexual partner.

It will lay about 20 eggs in a hole in the sand. He'll cover them and leave the nest.

After 60-80 days (depending on the temperature of the environment) the chicks will hatch.

One female can lay up to 9 series of eggs.

Newly hatched chicks are independent and have a predominantly carnivorous diet.