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COMMON NAME: Bearded Dragon
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pogona vitticeps
FAMILY: Agamidae
GENUS: Pogona
STATUS: Secure
SIZE (cm): 61
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DESCRIPTION: Inland bearded dragons are 13 to 24 inches
(33 to 61 cm) long, including the tail. They are appropriately named
bearded dragons because of their beard, an expandable dewlap with spiky
scales. They have a broad, triangular head, round bodies, stout legs,
and robust tails. Color for this species depends on the soil of the
region they live in, ranging from dull brown to tan with red or gold
highlights.
Adult bearded dragons are territorial. As they grow, they establish
social hierarchies in which aggressive and appeasement displays form
a normal part of their social interactions. The beard is used for
both mating and aggression displays. Both sexes have a beard, but
males display more frequently, especially in courtship rituals. Females
will, however, display their beard as a sign of aggression also. The
beard turns dark to jet black and inflates during the display. The
bearded dragon may also open its mouth and gape in addition to inflating
its beard to appear more intimidating.
PREFERRED HABITAT: Found only in Australia, bearded
dragons are widely distributed throughout the interior of the eastern
states to the eastern half of South Australia and southeastern Northern
Territory.
MICROHABITAT: They occupy a variety of habitats
including subtropical woodlands, scrublands, savannas, shore areas,
and into the great interior deserts.
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