Pogona Species
The genus Pogona is in the subfamily Amphibolurinae of the lizard family Agamidae.
Most popular species of Pogona in the Pet Trade is the Pogona vitticeps also known as central bearded dragon.
There are 8 different species of bearded dragons found in Australia,
And 1 species that was named due to cross breeding.
And 1 species that was named due to cross breeding.
Below is some general information about each specie.
1. Pogona Barbata
Also known as the Coastal or Eastern bearded dragon,
they are usually found in Eastern Australia,
but can sometimes be found in central or South Australia as well.
Habitat: Dry wooded areas
Max Length: 24 Inches
Active during the day Like climbing, but also enjoy moving on the ground Can be territorial when around other dragons
2. Pogona Henrylawsoni
Also known as Lawsons bearded dragon, they are usually found in the western and central parts of Queensland, Australia.
Habitat: Dry, rocky, arid locations (deserts)
Max Length: 12 Inches
Active during the day like climbing.
These can be keep in of groups in large Vivariums but only if you want a male in a group you must have 3+ females to reduce stress during breeding season, always provide a few hides.
3. Pogona Minor Minor
Also known as the Dwarf bearded dragon,
they are rare and are usually found in Western or central Australia.
Habitat: Rocky areas and woodlands
Max Length:14-18 Inches
4. Pogona Minor Minima
Also known as the Western bearded dragon,
these rare lizards are found in Western Australia and along the Houtman Albrohos Islands.
Habitat: Dry woodlands
Max Length: 12 Inches
5. Pogona Minor Mitchelli
Also known as Mitchells bearded dragon,
these rare lizards are found in North Western Australia.
Habitat: Semi-tropical woodlands and desert
Max Length: 18 Inches
6. Pogona Microlepidota
Pogona Microlepidota Known as the Drysdale river bearded dragon,
these are very rare and are usually found in North Kimberley Australia.
Habitat: Coast and woodlands Max Length: 4-6 Inches
7. Pogona Nullarbor Pogona Nullarbor
Also Known as the Nullarbor bearded dragon,
they can be found in South Australia.
Habitat: Flat brush environments
Max Length: 14 Inches
8. Pogona Vitticeps
Also known as the Central bearded dragon,
they can be found in Central Australia.
Habitat: Dry brush environments, forests, and deserts
Max Length: 24 Inches
Have gentle nature Awake during the day Enjoy climbing, also enjoy moving on the ground Can be territorial when around other dragons BAEARDED DRAGON LOCATION MAP
Cross breeding and Hybrids
Cross breeding species only normally happens in captivity by humans intervention. Cross breeding 2 species from the genus Pogonas creates intra-specific/F1 hybrids hybrids. these Pogona hybrids are fertile and can reproduce offspring. Intra-specific/F1 hybrids are biological quality is improved by the result of cross breeding.
Some hybrids some maybe heterotic (hybrid vigour) which these have the tendency to have enhanced traits a result of mixing the genetic contributions of its parents. example - if cross breeding 2 species and both parents are average size a heterotic can me much larger sizes then parents.
Some hybrids some maybe heterotic (hybrid vigour) which these have the tendency to have enhanced traits a result of mixing the genetic contributions of its parents. example - if cross breeding 2 species and both parents are average size a heterotic can me much larger sizes then parents.
Pogona Vittkins
The last species Which was made from a hybridization called Pogona Vittkins. 1996 Marcia Ryback 'from the US' cross breed Pogona Vitticeps and Pogona Henrylawsoni (rankin). It was then found that hybrids can repoduce and create offspring so which in turn this hybrid was called a Pogona Vittikins.
In 1960's Australia banded imports of wildlife. wild Pogona species were not available anymore. Pogona species has becoming increasing popular as pets and are being breed all over the world.
Over the years more and more health and deformation issues with miss breeding and not understand how genetics work have been creating weaker and sicker animals and this is a result of animals to closely related.
There is a lot more to it to becoming a good breeder. breeding bearded dragons needs to be done correctly. The condition of the animal has to be in good health, age size and structure.
Hybrids are good to used to help strengthen the next generation and producing good stock.
Over the years more and more health and deformation issues with miss breeding and not understand how genetics work have been creating weaker and sicker animals and this is a result of animals to closely related.
There is a lot more to it to becoming a good breeder. breeding bearded dragons needs to be done correctly. The condition of the animal has to be in good health, age size and structure.
Hybrids are good to used to help strengthen the next generation and producing good stock.
Please note all Pogona species in the pet trade have been crossed at some point the last 60+ years.
But unless you get info and papers from your breeder confirming its hybrid/Mix its Most likely a Pogona Vitticeps most commonly brought species in the market.