For several years, I have been interested in this species still rare in captivity of the genus Pogona. Undoubtedly one of the first French breeder of the Pogona minor mitchelli, I contributed to the importation into France of specimens born in captivity in Europe. 
Now, thanks to this, 2 of my friends (olivier.l and jame.p) will be able in the future to promote the development of this species in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, a precursor in recent years Of the development of French terrariophilia. 

 

This is why here is the first French breeding record on the Pogona minor mitchelli! Serving as reference in the breeding in France of the pogona mitchelli. 

 

List of species of the genus Pogona :

 

* Pogona barbata (Cuvier, 1829) - Eastern bearded dragon 
* Pogona henrylawsoni (Wells & Wellington, 1985) - Lawson Dragon 
* Pogona microlepidota (Glauert, 1952) 
* Pogona minor: hui was equated 3 subspecies of minor 
* Pogona minor minor (Sternfeld, 1919) 
* Abrolhos bearded dragon minor (Loveridge, 1933) 
* Pogona minor mitchelli (Badham, 1976) 
* Pogona Nullarbor (Badham, 1976) 
* Pogona vitticeps (Ahl , 1926) - Western bearded dragon or western bearded agam, the most common 

 

The Pogona Minor Mitchelli, called more quickly the pogona mitchelli, is currently a species not widely spread on the European and world terrariophile market. They are present in europe, in the united states by means of a German and many in Australia, pet stores even offer! Indeed this one is on the list of animals allowed to be maintained with license and one can meet it in some Australian zoos. Unfortunately even specimens born in captivity can not be exported from Australia (Australian law which prohibits the export of its flora and fauna). "The bearded agame of Mitchell" is beginning to be known, but their appearance on the tables of terrariophile purses is extremely rare.  

 

Location:

 

Australia, Habitat: 
semi-tropical, open forests, desert 
center and southwestern part of northern Australia, and northern western Australia 
=> Tropical dry forests, deserts and semi-deserts, landscapes Rocks of Pilbara and the South of the Kimberleys. 

 

Morphology:

 

He has no thorny beard. 
It measures around the 40 cm tail muzzle, its tail being longer than the henrylawsoni. Her body is a bit longer than henrylawsoni see equivalent to females henrylawsoni. 
There is very little difference in size between male and female. 
Color varies greatly depending on temperature and sex. Females tend to be brighter than males. These with stress, excitement or low temperature can become quite dark. Thus it is possible to observe in the same terra a couple in opposite colors and even variable color on the back ranging from light yellow to dark brown-black. 

 

Temperatures:

 

Day: 25-28 at 30 ° C under the spot can rise to 40-45 ° C under the spot 
In their natural environment, they tend to take refuge when the outside temperature exceeds 40 °, it is for This is a cool point is recommended 
night: 22-23 ° C 
30-40% humidity 

 

Size of the terrarium: 

 

As with all Pogonas, the bigger the better. Males may be dominant but are generally less aggressive than other species up to 2 years 
(in cm) 80x60x60 is acceptable for an adult specimen and a few young. 
60x40x40 suitable for young people also 2 to 4 depending on size and age 
100x60x60 for an adult couple therefore 
the smallest size for babies to facilitate feeding, 3 to 4 per tray up to 4 months where it will be necessary to separate the males If signs of aggressiveness appear, rare thing under a year to see two years without the presence of females. 
The animals climb with pleasure and so you can also play on the height of the terrarium with a suitable decoration.

 

Food and drink:

 

A cut of water is necessary. Like the other pogonas, he drinks and bathes himself willingly according to his needs. One bath per week is also beneficial. 
Small, medium or large prey depending on age: crickets, cockroaches, silkworms, flour worms ... 
they can eat vegetables, the insect-plant ratio is little known. The higher it is, the better. Normally less insectivorous than henrylawsoni. 
 

Reproduction:

 

After a rest period, the male shows a darker color at the throat generally. 
Hibernation is not mandatory for successful breeding. 
Nevertheless, a period of rest by decreasing temperatures and lighting time will stimulate it, period of 1 to 1 and a half months. 
The donation of food may then be stopped, especially if the agams enter from themselves. 
Some males sometimes tend to be less active than other pogonas. Indeed it would sometimes take 2 to 3 years before a male is a good breeder but also sometimes have a second male to stir up his sexuality. 
Similarly females would be more receptive from 2 years to 3. 5-7 eggs, 2 eggs per year see 3 max on average. Report of A maximum of 16 eggs and 8 eggs maxi 16 eggs maxi for the moment checked at a friend breeder. Incubation temperature about 26.4 to 28-29 ° C for a period of about 1 month and a half to 2 months. Baby size: 4cm tail muzzle with 5,5 tail included  

 

Youth rearing:

 

Young people seem to be difficult to grow in the first few months and are therefore very fragile. A friend has also lost several in the wake of the appearance of salmonella in his breeding. Well started they eat as well as juvenile vitticeps. I was able to watch the catch of more than one quinza ine of consecutive prey and a good can then hang: D The breeding is the same as for the adults at about 14h of cycle heating day-night maxi, with a Primary interest in hydration as the majority of young Pogonas According to my observations, their growth is rather slow and is similar to that of the Pogona henrylawsoni