Eastern Bearded Dragon (juvenile)

Description:

Bearded Dragon is the common name for any agamid lizard in the genus Pogona. They have broad triangular heads and flattened bodies, with adults reaching approximately 50 cm (19.5 inches) head-to-tail. Males are slightly longer than females, but females are slightly heavier. They owe their name to a distinctive series of lateral spines (specialized scales) radiating horizontally from the head and base of the tail. They also shed their skin because they grow continuously throughout their lives. However, their skin does not grow with them so to accommodate this increase of size, every reptile must shed its scaly skin periodically. This process is known as 'ecdysis'. When the time to shed draws near, a layer of water will form underneath the outer layer of the scales. This layer works to loosen the old skin and separates it slightly from the new layer underneath. The harsh, spiky appearance of these lizards belie their normally placid temperament. If approached in the wild, the Bearded Dragon's usual response is to freeze and rely on its camouflage. If further threatened they puff themselves up, extend the 'beard' under the throat and open the mouth wide to reveal the bright yellow lining. If picked up, they will continue to struggle but will rarely bite. Adult Bearded Dragons eat a great deal of vegetable matter, possibly as much as 80-90% of their total diet. Leaves, fruits, berries and flowers are all eagerly consumed, and I've even witnessed them eating clover. Insects make up the balance of the adult diet and the majority of the juvenile diet. In spring, male dragons keep a close eye out for passing females, attracting their attention with a series of frantic head bobs and arm waving. A month or so after mating, the female lays a clutch of 10-20 oval shaped white eggs with soft, flexible shells. These are laid in a shallow hole dug into the soil in an open sunny spot. The eggs hatch after around two months of incubation. In good seasons two or three clutches may be produced by a single female.

Habitat:

Spotted amongst native trees, shrubs, and grasses, in the gardens of the Metroplex on Gateway estate. This species is also common in open forests, heathland, scrub, and even some disturbed areas such as farmland. Also common in suburban areas. Their main habitat requirement are trees or shrubs that they can utilize for escape, sun-baking, or to simply survey their territory.

Notes:

This is a juvenile Bearded Dragon and I nick-named him ‘Little Bloke’, and after a Winter of living underground, he’s finally out and happily basking in the late afternoon sun on a glorious Spring day. This is also his official portrait, one that his mum would be proud of. I discovered him in the garden outside the building were I work and he wasn’t the slightest bit concerned with my presence, but then most animals aren’t. I seem to have that ability with animals. To sit quietly with them seems to put them at ease. I reckon I could have picked Little Bloke up, and we have since built up a friendly rapport. For his portrait he was sunning himself quite happily on top of the garden shrubbery and held the perfect pose for this photo. I’m sure he enjoyed all the attention, and I continued to see him for many weeks to follow during the Summer months of 2011/12. >>>>> PS: And here he is as an adult. I spotted him two and a half years later - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/643... I was totally over-joyed to see him again :D