Pogona is a genus of reptiles containing eight lizard species, which are often known by the common name bearded dragons or informally (especially in Australia) beardies.

They are a semiarboreal species, spending significant amounts of time on branches, in bushes, and near human habitation.

Bearded dragons occur in a variety of colors and morphs and can range from being all dark to completely white under controlled breeding conditions.

Many of the Australian locals have spotted bearded dragons on fence posts and elevated rocky areas.

[11] They will also form more permanent burrows or covered hiding places to use as protection from the climate changes at night and predation.

As they grow, they establish territories in which displays of aggression and appeasement form a normal part of their social interactions.

Extreme behavior such as hissing can be observed when threatened with a predator, inflating the body and tilting towards the threat in defense.

Bearded dragons have relatively strong jaws, but often only attack as a last resort when threatened outside of competition with their own species.

[15] Female bearded dragons have been seen lowering themselves towards the ground and intermittently arm waving whilst moving away from a dominant male in an attempt to either appease or escape.

In an experiment at the University of Padova, bearded dragons were presented with two different-sized plates with the same amount of food.

A courtship ritual occurs where the male starts bobbing his head, waving his arms, and stomping his feet in front of the female.

The male chases the female and bites the back of her neck and holds on while he gets in position to copulate.

[17] During the breeding period, female bearded dragons can store sperm in their oviductal crypts.

[21] Like many other reptile species (and what is most often observed in birds), females are capable of laying eggs even without fertilization.

Captive adults reach about 40 to 61 cm (16 to 24 in) from head to tail, weigh 290 to 600 g (10 to 20 oz)[24] and live for about 10 to 15 years and longer with good care.

[25] Through selective breeding, many different versions of the central bearded dragon have been developed, referred to as "morphs".

Translucents have a less opaque quality to their skin, making their colors seem stronger, and have black eyes.

The majority of health issues bearded dragons face in captivity are due to poor diet and inadequate heat and lighting.

Most bearded dragons in captivity will be fed supplementation and all will need a UVB light to enable them to properly use calcium in their diet.

Maintaining a diet that consists of enough calcium is crucial to avoiding hypocalcemia as well as metabolic bone disease.

Bearded dragons develop a respiratory infection due to a number of reasons such as incorrect lighting and temperature, high humidity, prolonged psychological stress, and poor captive conditions.

[35] Common symptoms of ADV-positive bearded dragons include stunted growth and slow weight gain.

[36] Bearded dragons require UVB to enable vitamin D3 synthesis and to prevent illnesses like metabolic bone disease.