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The Domestication of the Bearded Dragon

Updated: Oct 19


The domestication of bearded dragons, also known scientifically as Pogona vitticeps, involves their adaptation from their natural wild habitats in Australia to being bred and raised in captivity as pets.

Bearded dragons are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Australian outback. They are well-adapted to these harsh environments, where they forage for insects, vegetation, and occasionally small vertebrates. Bearded dragons are semi-arboreal and are often found basking on top of bushes. Though they get along well with humans in captivity, these lizards are not at all fond of other members of their own species. When another dragon enters their territory, bearded dragons will puff out their beards and bob their heads in a fierce territorial display. An aggressive dragon will head-bob quickly back, but a submissive or passive individual will either bob slowly or wave with their front limb to indicate that they are not a threat.

The first pet bearded dragons were illegally smuggled out of Australia by a group of German tourists in the 1980's. Over time, breeders began selectively breeding them in captivity to produce specific traits, such as different color morphs, patterns, and sizes. The first bearded dragons in the United States were brought over in the 1990's and have quickly grown in popularity to become the most popular pet reptile in the country.



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