The Western bearded dragon (Pogona minor) is a large agamid lizard from a group commonly known as bearded dragons. It is found on the southwest coast and interior of Western Australia. The name "bearded dragon" refers to the underside of the throat (or "beard") of the lizard, which can turn black and become inflated for a number of reasons, most often as a result of stress, if they feel threatened, or during the mating season.
All bearded dragons have a chameleon-like color, either blending into their environments or presenting brighter displays during interaction with others. They are similar in appearance to Pogona nullarbor and Caimanops amphiboluroides (mulga dragon) but are distinguished by smaller heads, and the arrangement of spines on their undersides and necks.
Western bearded dragons are widespread in Southwest Australia and central deserts; there they inhabit semiarid regions such as woodland or heathland, and arid desert or coastal dunes. They also occur on Dirk Hartog Island. Subspecies Pogona minor minima is found on West, North, and East Wallabi Islands, Houtman Abrolhos.
Western bearded dragons are semiarboreal, spending most of their time on branches, fence posts, in bushes, and near human habitation. They like to bask on rocks and exposed branches in the mornings and afternoons and sleep at night. Adult bearded dragons are very territorial. As they grow, they establish territories in which display aggression. Western bearded dragons display a behavior common to other bearded dragon species; they will wave one of their fore legs to trigger a response from a potential rival or mate. Another typical behavior is head-bobbing amongst males, perhaps related to dominance within their social order. Bearded dragons go through a type of hibernation called brumation, in which reptiles go months without eating, but sporadically drink water. Bearded dragons go through brumation when the temperature goes below 15.5-21°C (60-70°F) during the night and 24-26.5°C (75-80°F) during the day for 8-10 hours. When the climate is too hot they will often burrow underground.
Due to their small size, Western bearded dragons are thought to be carnivores (insectivores) and eat mainly insects.
Little is known about the reproductive behaviors of Western bearded dragons. Females usually lay egg clutches of 5-9, though clutches of up to 15 have been recorded.
There are no major threats to the Western bearded dragon at present.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Western bearded dragon is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
