pogona

Pogona is a genus of lizards in the family Agamidae, native to Australia. They are commonly called bearded dragons due to the spiny throat that inflates as a display.

The genus includes several species, notably the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and the eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata). They are medium-sized lizards, typically 40-60 cm in length, with stout bodies and rough scales.

They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions across mainland Australia, including woodlands and rocky areas. They are diurnal and bask to regulate body temperature.

Bearded dragons are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, flowers, leaves, and fruit. Juveniles eat more insects; adults take more plant matter. They display territorial and courtship signals such as beard inflation, push-ups, and arm-waving.

Reproduction: most species lay eggs (oviparous). Clutches commonly range 6-20 eggs, and females may lay more than one clutch per season. Incubation is about 50-80 days, and temperature can influence development and, in some species, sex.

In captivity, bearded dragons are popular pets. They require a large enclosure, UVB lighting, a heat gradient, and a balanced diet with insects and greens, plus calcium. They are generally docile but can be territorial.

Conservation: Most species are listed as Least Concern, though some populations are threatened by habitat loss and collection; habitat protection and captive breeding contribute to persistence.