Western Bearded Dragon, Pogona minor minor

A lizard from the old world family Agamidae.

Agamidae are part of the infraorder Iguania, which is the very first branch of the lizard evolutionary tree, making them amongst the most primitive of lizards and are thought to represent the eastern Gondwana relative of the Iguania. Although amidst debate, these ancestral lizards are reasoned to have arisen in the South American continent and spread via Antarctica to the Indian subcontinent and Australia, both of which contain the largest number of endemic species.

The Australian agamid clades are concentrated in the more arid regions of Western, Northern and Central Australia with fewer species in the wetter and more heavily forested areas of Eastern Australia. This probably reflects the breaking up of Gondwana and the retreat of the forests as Australia dried whilst drifting north. It is during this period that agamids in Australia began to diversify and become more common in the fossil record. Pogona was one of these lizards!

Western Bearded Dragon, Pogona minor minor

The Western Bearded Dragon, Pogona minor minor is often simply referred to as Pogona minor (the second minor referring to its subspecies status) as it occupies most of WA, except for the northern region, the Nullarbor and the SW corner. Another subspecies, Pogona minor minima or the Abrolhos Bearded Dragon, only occupies the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. A third subspecies Pogona minor mitchelli is found in the far northern near coastal portion of WA.

Pogona minor is not a particularly large lizard, growing to a little over 15" (38 cm) in length including the tail, but going on its distribution it is obviously a very successful species and besides occupying a very large portion of WA, also extends into the western half of SA and the lower SW of the Northern Territory. The Eastern Bearded Dragon (a similar looking lizard from eastern Australia) abuts in the coastal Adelaide region. This eastern species, Pogona barbata, is a little larger than its western counterpart and differs by having several rows of large spines along its flanks, whereas the western bearded dragon has only one.

A mating pair of Western Bearded Dragons

All dragon lizards are egg layers and are often seen digging a nesting chamber where up to 12 eggs are deposited, after which the connecting tunnel is filled in. This activity can take several days and is often thought that she has abandoned the nest, but more often she is busy inside, evidenced by the opening being in-filled a day or two later. In good seasons the western bearded dragon can produce two or more clutches, making this nesting operation quite common and often observed.

Pogona minor digging the nesting chamber, and not impressed by my interest.
Hidden at last!

These lizards have a reputation of being lovers of the sun, preferring the more open arid regions and often seen sunbaking. But this is not quite correct as they require a narrow temperature range and when this is exceeded (as is often the case during summer), they seek shelter and are considerably less active. Dragon lizards are commonly seen perched on posts and other elevated positions during spring and early summer, this not only provides them with sunbaking opportunities, but a means to survey and maintain their breeding territory. They are also often seen sunbaking in autumn, but are seldom encountered during summer and then usually only early in the morning.

A disturbed sunbaking western bearded dragon reviewing the potential threat.

Pogona eat a variety of foods including vegetable matter like flowers and even seed, although insects and other invertebrates would make up the bulk of their diet, however the odd small, slow moving mammal would not be ignored.

Typical dragon surveying its territory for rivals, mates, predators and prey.

Western Bearded Dragon, Pogona minor minor

Dragon lizards are well known for their visual method of communication where head bobbing, leg and body lifting are commonly practised. Apparently each dragon species has its own procedures, but all aim to discourage other males or to attract a mate, but the most dramatic display is used in defence to deter a potential predator. Here the lizard will flatten its body which is turned towards the threat to make it appear bigger, the frill is fully extended with all spikes projecting away from the body and the mouth wide open to show a colorful interior. All bluff of course, but still very effective.

A well camouflaged western bearded dragon keeping a lookout from a dead tree trunk.

Unlike most skinks and geckos, dragon lizards do not shed their tails to escape from predators, but can run very fast with a sudden turn of speed, some even running bipedally like a crazed clown, plus they are very good at climbing, so probably suffer less predation. However unlike the blue-tongue lizards, they are nowhere near as common in the big cities unless there are large open spaces so they can keep an eye on their territory and use their speed to avoid predators.

All kids are cute, as it this young Pogona minor frolicking amongst the Trigger Plant flowers.

Australia is a land of reptiles, particularly in the more arid areas with unreliable rainfall and consequential irregular food supply; it nevertheless suits perfectly the biological make up of reptiles. Their more energy saving lifestyles, along with their lower requirements of food and water allow them to take advantage of the good times, whilst also surviving well the bad. So when you next look at a reptile, don't think of them as being primitive, but supremely well adapted. They were here long before we came onto the scene and will probably be around long after we depart. Many think reptiles are dumb, but this is certainly not the case, they have very good memories and some are very social, but the most striking thing about them is how accommodating they are if they live near you. Providing you don't threaten or interfere, most will treat you with great respect and will be no trouble at all. We should make room for more reptiles in our lives, for not only are they interesting and entertaining, but generally will eat the things we don't like. So get eco-friendly, help reptiles to help you!