Bearded Dragons

There are 5 species of bearded dragons throughout Australia. Three of the species are found in Western Australia; Pongona microlepidota found in the far north west of WA, Pongona minor found over much of WA except for arid and lower south-west of WA and Pogona nullarbor found on the Nullarbor Plain of southeastern WA.

http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/lizards/agamids/pnullabor.htm

Bearded dragons are moderate to large, robust, with relatively short limbs and tails. The head is large and triangular with a series of spines across the base. The arrangement of the spines helps to identify the dragon. Also spines can be on the rear of the lower jaw across the throat looking like a beard in some species.

We are looking at the Pogona minor which has three subspecies.

http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/lizards/agamids/pminor.htm

This photograph was taken at Dryandra Woodlands in October.

P.minor minor is approx l45mm long. There are lots of variations in the colour from grey to greyish brown. Pale stripe from eye to side of neck. This subspecies can not inflate its neck in a defense posture. It is found on the mainland.

The P.minor minor dragon can change its colour according to its body temperature and its mood. When its resting or when its disturbed it is dark grey. After basking in the sun on a nice warm rock or fallen tree it can turn a yellowish-brown as its body temperature rises.

P.minor minor lays two clutches of approx 5-11 eggs between October and February which hatch after 72-82 days if the temperature is around 25C if the temperature is hotter at 30C then the eggs will only take between 45-54 days.

Here is a young Western Bearded dragon photographed at the Armadale Reptile Centre in Perth. Here they have observed these reptiles fighting each other and head bobbing and hand waving. »»»»»»

Update

This Western bearded dragon was seen at Mt Lesueur 250km north of Perth in September.

This is the habitat at Mt Lesueur »»»»»»»

This Western Bearded dragon was seen at Watheroo National Park in sandplain country.

We dont know which species these two bearded dragons are.

This is the habitat at Watheroo National Park

P. minor minima is a small to moderate size dragon. It has a little beard. When threatened it flattens it body trying to look as wide as possible with spines flared sides and mouth open. It is found on the Albrolhos Archipelago Islands.

P.minor minima is smaller at 115mm from its snout to its vent. It is similar in colour to P.m. minor but more slender with longer limbs and tail. Found in limestone soils with heathlands and shrublands and sandy beach areas. It is found in the lower southwest to the Pilbara in woodlands, coastal dunes and heathlands including the Darling Range. http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/lizards/agamids/pminima.htm

This dragon was seen at Wireless Hill in Perth in April soaking in the midmorning sun with its long tail pointing up. This may mean it is a male hoping to mate.

This photograph was taken in the Darling Range Perth. It is possibly the P.minor. When these dragons are soaking in the sun you can go right up to them. Be careful they can bite. They stay still to avoid being detected when they hear someone approaching. »»»»

This one was seen at Piney Lakes in Perth off Leech Hwy.

Unfortunately at Piney Lakes a Bearded dragon had been bitten by a dog. Here you can see the rough spiny scales.

We are not sure if this is the minor minor.

This is the view from on top of Mt Dale where this dragon lives.

Mitchell's Bearded Dragon

P.minor mitchelli is a larger dragon approx 160mm long has a broader head and is usually brownish with larger spines or beard. Found from the Kimberley to the Pilbara in the south in wooded areas.

This photograph was taken at Perth Zoo

All dragons shed their skin as they grow, less frequently when they are older.

They do not shed their skin in one piece like a snake.

A large robust dragon with a large beard and broad head. Juveniles are more strongly patterned.

This dragon was a cream colour, possibly a subspecies or just a colour variation.

This photograph was taken at Perth Zoo.

The Central bearded dragons are approx 250mm from snout to vent which is much bigger than the Western bearded dragons.

These dragons can change colours within minutes when being held. The throat goes black and the head turns orange.

What do they eat?

They are omnivorous eating invertebrates such as ants, small vertebrates flowers and fruits. This ant was photographed at the Olga's in the Northern Territory in August.

At the Armadale Reptile Centre they like to eat Hibiscus flowers, cockroaches other insects and hard boiled eggs.

Other places I have seen Western Bearded dragons;
Port Kennedy near Rockingham a Western Bearded Dragon was sunning itself on the garden mulch.
Mt Dale near Perth while walking in the Jarrah/Marri forest a Western Bearded dragon ran ahead of us along the path and down the nearest hole. The problem for the dragon was that the hole was too small and all its back and hind legs were sticking out but this didn't stop the dragon from hiding even when we stood right over it laughing.

Text
"Lizards of Western Australia 2 Dragons and Monitors" by G.M.Storr, L.A.Smith, R.E.Johnstone
"Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth Region" by Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, Robert Browne-Cooper and David Robinson.
"Australian Reptiles A Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia" by Stephen K Wilson, David G Knowles.