Pogona Genus Quiz

Pogona: The genus of bearded dragons

• Pogona is a genus of reptiles containing eight species of lizards commonly known as bearded dragons.

• The name "bearded dragon" refers to the underside of the throat of the lizard, which can turn black and puff up for various reasons.

• Bearded dragons are a semi-arboreal species, spending significant amounts of time on branches, in bushes, and near human habitation.

• They are diurnal and primarily feed on vegetation and some insects.

• Bearded dragons originate from deserts and other dry areas in Australia, with various species occupying slightly overlapping areas of the landmass.

• They exhibit territorial behavior and displays of aggression and appeasement form a normal part of their social interactions.

• Adult males can bite more forcefully than adult females, and the bearded dragon's head-bobbing gesture is used to show dominance.

• Bearded dragons exhibit temperature sex determination, and females can store sperm in the oviductal crypts.

• The central bearded dragon is the most common species in captivity and one of the most popular pet reptiles.

• They require a diet consisting primarily of plant matter, and juveniles consume insects three times a day on average.

• Bearded dragons can face health issues such as metabolic bone disease, impaction, and respiratory infections due to poor diet and inadequate heat and lighting.

• Bearded dragons have been shown to perceive illusion, and males chase females during the breeding period, biting the back of her neck and holding on while he gets in position to copulate.Bearded Dragons: Health and Care

• Adenovirus (ADV) is a deadly viral disease that can be spread between reptiles through contact alone.

• Most juvenile ADV-positive bearded dragons do not live past 90 days, while ADV-positive adults will live longer but eventually contract liver diseases.

• ADV-positive bearded dragons commonly display symptoms of stunted growth and slow weight gain and may be infected with intestinal parasites due to their compromised immune systems.

• Bearded dragons require UVB to enable vitamin D3 synthesis, which is essential to calcium absorption, and to prevent illnesses like metabolic bone disease.

• Bearded dragons also require UVA, which stimulates feeding, breeding, basking, and overall health.

• Bearded dragons require a basking heat source, most commonly a light-emitting source, to provide a basking area.

• The following six species are recognized as being valid: Pogona barbata, Pogona henrylawsoni, Pogona microlepidota, Pogona minima, Pogona minor, and Pogona vitticeps.

• Pogona vitticeps is the most commonly kept species of bearded dragon in captivity.

• Bearded dragons are native to Australia and are found in the arid, rocky, and semi-desert regions.

• Bearded dragons are diurnal and require a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle.

• Bearded dragons are omnivores and require a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits.

• Bearded dragons can live up to 15 years in captivity with proper care.