What Is the Natural Habitat of a Bearded Dragon?

What Is the Natural Habitat of a Bearded Dragon?. Bearded dragons are indigenous to Australia, where they live in arid desert, semi-desert and wooded habitats. These lizards, which have adapted to survive extreme temperatures and erratic rainfall, are diurnal omnivores that often climb trees and rocks to bask in the sun.

Arid Climate

Bearded dragons inhabit hot, dry areas in central Australia. According to the article "General Information on Australia's Deserts," compiled and maintained by Peter J. Unmack for the Desert Fishes website, daytime temperatures in these areas average 98 to102 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and 61 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Nocturnal winter temperatures may drop to 26 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Bearded dragons cope with the heat by burrowing underground to cool off when temperatures soar.

Rocks

Central Australia's deserts feature large rocky outcroppings, favorite basking spots for bearded dragons because of the heat these rocks soak up from the sun. The lizards need this heat to help the digestive process.

Water

The Australian deserts receive annual rainfall of 4 to 18 inches, according to "General Information on Australia's Deserts." Rainfall is sporadic and unpredictable but very important for native species such as bearded dragons. The lizards absorb water through their food as well as by visiting drinking holes, where water is stored. They also require humidity and moisture to help loosen their skin when they're ready to shed.

Mountain Ranges

Central Australia is home to several mountain ranges, which help foster the region's remarkable biodiversity. According to "Uluru - Surrounding Desert, Flora and Fauna," the West MacDonnell, Gardener, James and George Gill Ranges all provide temperature-regulated shelter and protection for bearded dragons and other reptiles.

Woodlands

Bearded dragons also live in arid woodlands, where they use trees for hunting, foraging and basking. Forested areas provide a variety of food for these omnivorous lizards, which eat fruits, flowers, greens, insects and small vertebrates.

References

• Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection: "Dragons Down Under: The Inland Bearded Dragon"
• PetEducation.com: "Bearded Dragon Species Profile: Habitat, Diet, and Care"
• Desert Fishes: "General Informaiton on Australia's Deserts"
• Wayoutback Desert Safaris: "Uluru - Surrounding Desert, Flora and Fauna"
• PetEducation.com: "Bearded Dragon Species Profile: Habitat, Diet, and Care"