Rankin's dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
Agamas · Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Rankin's dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) (origin: Central Queensland, Australia (arid regions)). Adult size around 25–30 cm total length. Life expectancy 10–15 years (can be older with very good care). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rankin's dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150 × 80 × 80 cm (1–2 animals).
Rankin's dragon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–35 °C, basking spot 45–50 °C, locally up to 55 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Rankin's dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (10–12 %).
Rankin's dragon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years (can be older with very good care).
Rankin's dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–35 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 45–50 °C, locally up to 55 °C
- Humidity
- 40–50 % (60–70 % at night)
- UVB
- Essential (10–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150 × 80 × 80 cm (1–2 animals)
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in
Feeding
- Food
- Insects plus plant food (wild herbs, vegetables); juveniles take mostly insects
- Feeding interval
- juveniles daily, adults insects 2–3×/week plus green food daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years (can be older with very good care)
- Origin
- Central Queensland, Australia (arid regions)
- Protection status
- — (no CITES; captive-bred animals)
- Brumation
- Winter rest recommended: 6 weeks to 3 months at around 14–18 °C, preceded by about 4 weeks of preparation with gradually shortened lighting and reduced food
- Cohabitation
- Singly, or as a pair or small group (at most one male); the males do not get on. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.
Notes
Smaller and without "beard" spines, otherwise care as for the large bearded dragon. A desert climate with a high basking spot and UVB is needed – good for beginners with some experience.
Do you keep this species?
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Rankin's dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) currently offered
- Bartagame Jelly, 2 Jahre, mit Terrarium & Zubehör – Berlin · 100 €
Related species
- Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) – Intermediate
- Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) – Beginner to intermediate
- Kimberley bearded dragon (Pogona microlepidota) – Intermediate
- Mitchell's bearded dragon (Pogona mitchelli) – Intermediate
- Nullarbor bearded dragon (Pogona nullarbor) – Intermediate
- Rankin's bearded dragon (Pogona rankini) – Beginner
- Western bearded dragon (Pogona minor) – Intermediate
- Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) – Intermediate to expert
What you need to start
To keep Rankin's dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150 × 80 × 80 cm (1–2 animals)), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: bartagamenratgeber.de, drta-archiv.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, megazoo-nord.de, Pogona henrylawsoni - Inkubation ca. 28-30°C – http://www.reptile-care.de/species/Iguania/Agamidae/Pogona-henrylawsoni.html
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).