Exact Answer: 15 years
Every organism under the kingdom of Animalia alive on the earth is altogether classified as an animal. Although, they are also differentiated into reptiles, amphibians, and much more. Some animals thrive in the wild, while some can be taken care of as pets. Every animal lives longer in captivity without the dangers it would face.
Some living organisms are more in count than others, and some of them include reptiles. One of the reptiles that are more commonly raised as pets includes the bearded dragons, which are popular for many of their features.
The average live span of a bearded dragon is about 15 years in or out of captivity.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live?
| Habitat | Time |
| In Captivity | 12 years |
| In Wild | 8 years |
The scientific name of bearded dragons is Pogona and it is a type of reptile. They weigh around ten to eighteen ounces. They are about eighteen to twenty-two inches long and they are omnivores. They eat live invertebrates, otherwise called insects and they also have vegetables. Just like every other living organism, they also need the right supplement of nutrients.
They can grow up to 45 centimeters, which includes their long tails. They have about 30 to 40% of humidity in their body. The highest temperature they can live comfortably in is around 38-42 degrees and the coldest temperature is 22 degrees. They shed skin likes every other reptile and in cooler seasons they tend to slow down. They sleep more, eat less and their hibernation period is called brumation.
They are also popularly called beardies, and they are one of the most popular reptiles in captivity in Britain. Like every other living being, they also have a certain average life span. The duration, on the other hand, changes due to various factors. It all depends on what they eat, where they live, and multiple other reasons.
According to researchers, just like every other animal, bearded dragons live longer in captivity than in the wild. They are more taken care of as pets and they don’t face any dangers either.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Live That Long?
The life expectancy of bearded dragons has been calculated based on various results of researches and the scientists have finally concluded. According to various veterinary experts from RSPCA, the average lifespan is 12 to 15 years in captivity with good care. In the wild, they live for at least 6 to 8 years.
The reason for the decrease in lifespan is because they are exposed to various threats like unavailability of food, predators, and habitat destruction. The life span of any animal can be determined very well based on the type of care they get. When a bearded dragon receives very poor care, it could live for at least eight years.
Sometimes, they get average care, which would make sure they live for around twelve years. With high-quality care, they can live for 15 years strong. In the captive, they get good care and the right diet and supplements. On the other hand, in captivity, they might get attacked by predators, experience destruction of habitat, and even food scarcity.
In the wild, bearded dragons hunt their own food. When one provides them their diet, they should make sure all the essential nutrients are there. They need calcium-rich foods and one should also provide them green foods. Some of the native predators of bearded dragons include birds, dingoes, cats, black-headed pythons, and foxes.
Conclusion
Even temperature plays a major role in the life span of bearded dragons. They should receive the same consistent level of temperature and lighting during their lifetime. Even the climate and weather play a vital role. They spend their time hunting in the wild, so if they are kept in captivity, one should make sure the bearded dragons get enough movement as pets.
In case of any health issues, diseases, or any sort of complications, one can always try contacting and consulting a veterinarian. Too many proteins, housing them in a confined space without providing them space to stretch, irregular maintenance of humidity, temperature and not providing them enough shade can be some of the causes for a short lifespan.
When you avoid all this, bearded dragons can certainly live for 15 years.