Picture shows a Bearded Dragon sitting on a log in the Simpson Desert, South Australia.
Australian desert animals have had to evolve some nifty adaptations to the harsh Outback environment they live in. For the Bearded Dragon this meant adapting to virtually any type of food.
The Bearded Dragon is popular as an exotic pet because it feeds on a variety of foods which are available in countries other than Austral1a. It is also easy to breed in captivity.
Habitats
Its native habitats are dry and sparsely vegetated, so in a natural environment, its food may often be difficult to find. Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, capable of subsisting on all kinds of insects and vegetable food. A typical diet for captive Bearded Dragons includes leafy greens and vegetables, and regular meals of feeder insects.
Native Diet
In the wild diet is varied and this also varies with locality and time of year. Mainly seeds. Biologists determine what they normally live on in the wild by studying their faeces.
Beetles feature prominently in their diet, flowers and other vegetable matter. Earthworms, insects and small rodents are also taken.
The Bearded Dragon, especially the Centralian and Pygmy Bearded Dragons, are docile and less likely to bite children than many other lizards which is another reason why they have become popular, overseas, as pets.
In the Northern Territory and other states it is illegal to keep them as pets. In South Australia and Victoria they can be kept but the owner must have a special license. They are often smuggled overseas by people wishing to make money.
Interesting Facts
Their ability to change shades of color, from light to dark, helps them to regulate body temperature. Color changes can also depend on emotional state, and may also be used for concealment. When injured, sick, or dying, the back becomes black and the legs pale yellow.
Habitat
Although found in a variety of habitats, ranging from wet forests to deserts, these lizards are most commonly seen in open woodlands and similar habitats.
Endangered or Extinct?
No, at the time of publishing the Bearded Dragon is not considered endangered or threatened, even in the wild in its native habitat, it is doing very well and thriving.
Natural Predators?
It's ability to change colour has kept it from natural preditors. Introduced Feral Cats will take them and and so will Dingoes. It changes colour to disguise itself and hide.
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