Stručni rad
Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps): physiology and modern approaches to husbandry in captivity
Dražen Đuričić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8013-2091
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
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* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps Ahl, 1926) is one of the most popular and widely kept lizard species in modern herpetoculture. Owing to its adaptability, docile temperament, and well-characterized biology, this species serves as a valuable model organism for research in reptile ecology and physiology, including thermoregulation, osmoregulation, photobiology, digestive physiology, and behavioural ecology in both natural and captive environments. This review expands upon the existing literature by providing an updated synthesis of the species’ physiological adaptations alongside contemporary guidelines for optimized captive husbandry. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating evidence-based scientific knowledge with modern
enclosure design and management practices, thereby promoting the maintenance of stable, long-lived, and physiologically robust captive populations. Routine specialist veterinary examinations, infectious-disease surveillance, preventive biosecurity measures, and regular coprological screening are highlighted as essential components of long-term health management in captive bearded dragons. A thorough understanding of their biological, environmental, and physiological requirements is fundamental for improving individual
welfare and elevating husbandry standards across private and professional breeding settings.
Ključne riječi
Pogona vitticeps; reptile physiology; thermoregulation; captive husbandry; welfare
Hrčak ID:
342789
URI
Datum izdavanja:
23.12.2025.
Posjeta: 353 *