Care guide
Bearded Dragon Conservation Status Explained
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) has not been individually assessed by the IUCN, but wild collection has been illegal in Australia since the 1960s–70s, so almost the entire global pet population descends from a small number of legally and illegally exported founders. Its native range is the arid woodland and semi-desert interior of central Australia.
- IUCN status
- Not individually assessed
- Native range
- The arid woodland and semi-desert interior of central australia
Wild status
Not individually assessed, but wild collection has been illegal in Australia since the 1960s–70s, so the entire global pet population descends from a small number of legally and illegally exported founders.
Why captive breeding matters
Because the overwhelming majority of pet-trade animals of this species are captive-bred rather than wild-caught, ordinary hobbyist demand does not add meaningful pressure to wild populations.