Leonidas the Bearded Dragon has a permanent residence inside the education building of the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital. This spunky species gets its name for the beard-like rows of spikes that can puff up under its chin. The bearded dragon is an exotic species to Florida and can mostly be found in places like zoos, nature centers, and pet stores.
Where does the bearded dragon come from?
All nine species of the bearded dragon family come from Australia. It has been illegal since the 1960s to export bearded dragons from Australia. This means most of the bearded dragons found outside of Australia today were bred in captivity for the pet trade from ancestors that were brought over a long time ago.
Bearded dragons can be found in a variety of ecosystems in Australia, but their tan colored skin is excellent for blending in with sand. Their skin color can change to darker colors when they are not getting enough warmth to absorb more heat from the sun.
Reptiles
This is because bearded dragons, like all reptiles, are cold blooded. That means they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperatures. When they are too cold, they seek out warm objects or bask in the sun. When they are too hot, they might submerge themselves in water, or seek out some nice shade.
Why is Leonidas with the SNC?
Like many of our other wildlife friends, Leonidas was a surrendered pet. When making a choice in a pet, most people are not prepared for the special level of care that comes with many reptiles. Reptile vet costs can get pretty expensive because they are not as common as a dog or cat. Their diet is also considered uncommon. They need a healthy diversity of vegetables and protein.
Want to meet Leonidas?
Leonidas is commonly used in our educational wildlife program. Contact our education department at education@sawgrassnaturecenter.org to inquire about how to set up a private program for you and your family today!