Bearded Dragons make great pets, however as they are protected by law, you will need a licence to buy one from a pet shop or wildlife dealer. To find out more about keeping reptiles in Victoria, please visit the
Introduction. To keep native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians as pets, you'll need a native animal keeper licence.
The most popular Australian reptiles to keep are the Blue-tongue Lizard, Tiliqua scincoides, and the Central Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps, both of which are interesting and easy to care for. Turtles are also popular pets, however a lot of time and effort needs to go in to water changing and filtration.
Prohibited reptiles and birds
Reptiles include snakes, lizards and turtles, including: American corn snakes • red-eared slider turtles • boa constrictors • all tortoises. Certain exotic birds are also prohibited. Some native reptiles and birds may be kept under a permit issued by DES.
No other vertebrate animals are approved for import into Australia as pets. Reptiles are not permitted to be imported as pets but may be imported under strict conditions for zoological purposes.
In the Northern Territory, as in most of Australia, the majority of reptiles require a permit in order to be kept as a pet in captivity. However, there are some species that are exempt. Learn more here.
Bearded dragons can make great pets if cared for properly. Please do your homework and research as much as possible about this type of pet before bringing it into your life. They are suitable as pets for older children if they are properly supervised.
Bearded Dragons make great pets, however as they are protected by law, you will need a licence to buy one from a pet shop or wildlife dealer. To find out more about keeping reptiles in Victoria, please visit the DELWP website at: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au.
Assisted colonisation of Australia's rarest reptile: The western swamp turtle.
Reptile licences in Queensland
In Queensland, a recreation wildlife licence is required, depending on the type of wildlife you're hoping to keep. Strict conditions apply that prohibit the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving away wildlife that is held under the permit. Learn more here.
Their lifespan is usually 10 to 15 years or more, so they're quite a commitment. It's important to replicate their natural habitat as best you can. Learn more about how to care for your bearded dragon and how to keep them healthy and happy.
A common baby bearded dragon costs $40 – $75 but adult morphs can cost over $900. There are many options (e.g. expo, pet stores and private breeders) when buying a bearded dragon.
Blue-Tongued Skink
They are native to Australia and Indonesia, and are generally sluggish and very easy to handle. They do require a varied diet, however, and because they love to dig and burrow, a larger, deeper tank will be necessary to provide the best possible habitat.
Depending on species, bearded dragons will cost from $60 up to $200. Pygmy bearded dragons are most expensive, though strong colour variations will fetch up to $400. Enclosure set-up, including heating lamps, UV lights, thermostats, thermometers, shelter, ornaments and surface material will cost between $500 – $1000.
More than one bearded dragon can be kept in an enclosure (if it is big enough and the animals get along) but only one adult male should be present, as adult males housed together often have territorial fights. Adult females housed together also may become aggressive.
NATIVE ANIMAL KEEPERS LICENCE FOR ONE OR MORE REPTILES
To keep one or more bearded dragons, you will need a native animal keeper licence. This licence allows you to hold one or more reptiles at a time. Ø parent or guardian of children under 16. Please see details below and note down information for your application.
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is the most popular herp kept by reptile keepers, according to a study based off Google Trends research published this month by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research.
The rarest animal in the world is the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). It is a kind of critically endangered porpoise that only lives in the furthest north-western corner of the Gulf of California in Mexico. There are only 18 left in the world. It is thought that they may be extinct in ten years.
They need an enclosure that is warm, with rocks and logs for basking and hiding, a heat lamp and a UV light. Bearded dragons are reptiles that love the full sun, so plenty of lighting is essential to keep your beardie heathy.
Since bearded dragons are naturally solitary creatures, they do not get lonely if placed alone in a cage or left for some time away from their keeper. They much prefer having their food and heat to themselves rather than sharing it with another bearded dragon.
Although both male and female bearded dragons may puff up to the opposite sex, it's more commonly the male who displays this behavior to attract the female and let her know he's ready to mate. By puffing up, the male also shows the female that he's dominant and is making his intentions very clear.
Play safely: Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it. This can spread salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store or prepare food.
Also known as “Beardies” they are not particularly lazy pets. It's just that they are known to enjoy cuddling up with their owners while they watch TV. Yes, they're cuddly! Another reason that bearded dragons are an increasingly popular pet is because of the common (mis)conception that they are easy to take care of.
Many bearded dragons recognize their owner's voice and scent, and display various signs of comfort and familiarity around them. This can foster a really special bond even though it isn't technically love.