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.
