Controversial Topics

There are no real controversial topics when it comes to this species besides the best ways to care for them (best substrate to use, which lettuces to feed, etc.). Back in the 1970s-1990s. There were a bit more controversial topics. Because these species were becoming pets for the first time, a lot of exotic animal smuggling was occurring out of Australia. This was a concern for not only the species, but also for Australia’s habitat. If too many of any plant or animal species gets taken out of an environment, it will have a detrimental effect by messing with the ecosystem’s balance. Smuggling is also an issue for the species because of the harsh (unfamiliar and stressful) conditions these animals have to go through. In fact, not only for beardies but for almost all smuggled exotic species, a very small percent of the population getting transported will make it to their destination alive. Luckily, breeders have found great success when it comes to breeding them in captivity. I believe this is much more humane and sustainable for the species. When breeding in captivity, humans do not have to worry about environmental effects nor the wellbeing of the animals during transportation. Unfortunately, captive breeding is not the answer to all of the breed’s problems in the pet trade either. Although many breeders breed bearded dragons because they love the animals, there are still many breeders out there that breed just for the profit. This is commonly seen in all pet trades, whether we are talking about dogs, rabbits or fish. These breeders do not care about the welfare of the animals so it is extremely important for potential beardie owners to research where they can find reputable, USDA certified breeders and purchase their pets from these places. That way, indecent breeders are not being supported and, coming from a certified breeding facility, it is more than likely that new owners will get their hands on a healthy happy dragon.
http://www.petwatch.net/browse_animals/reptiles/43-bearded_dragon

Religion and Mythlogy

 As stated before, not even the Chinese, who are known for their use of dragons in mythology and folklore, have included the bearded dragon species. Religion and mythology dates back thousands of years while bearded dragons as pets, or even just as moderately known animals, began in the late 1900’s. It is no wonder why they are not as popular as the mythical Chinese dragons. The dragons that the Chinese do use in their mythology, though, are depicted in a positive light and are seen as magical and powerful creatures. It is common to read about kings who can turn into dragons or people turning into these creatures when they are looking for magic or power. The Chinese dragon is greatly admired in their mythology. Greek mythology, on the other hand, has been seen to include dragons from time to time, but the dragons are seen as villainous creatures that cause trouble and are pests to the Greek people. It is interesting to see that two groups can depict the same animal in such unalike ways.   http://fairrosa.info/dragon/

Bearded Dragons in Film

As would be expected when hearing that bearded dragons have been left out of art, folklore, and literature, you would suppose they have been left out of the film industry too. Luckily, there is a movie that has bearded dragons. Although it is only a short scene, it is in a very popular and liked Disney movie-  Holes.

In the movie, they were depicted as dangerous and lethal “yellow spotted lizards” that trapped two boys and stopped others from getting to them in fear of being bitten. Although some makeup was used on the creatures, it is quite obvious that they used bearded dragons to play the role. I am sure that it was their intimidating look that made the species ideal for the part, but I also believe it is the species’ pleasant disposition that helped them secure the role too. In the movie, the creatures were required to pile up on top of each other and the boys in the small hole. Just by watching this scene, you can understand that these animals are very laid back and well mannered. They happily crawled around without issues in the scene. I find it very hard to believe that the film crew would  have had any success if they used any other reptile species for the part.

On the other hand, there are no dragon appearances in adult films and I believe this is because, for one, they are still just gaining popularity, but secondly and the more reasonable answer is because they simply are never needed in adult films. In children’s movies, producers can get away with putting paint on the animals and calling them “lethal lizards.” With adults, they cannot fool them that easily. It would take a much bigger and scarier creature (most likely an animation) to scare or convince viewers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdtF-zw9HG0

Literature/Folklore

 Bearded dragons are left out of folklore and literature in every culture and part of the world. Not even the Chinese, who include many different types of dragons in their history with mythology, include bearded dragons. The Chinese’s dragons are made up creatures while bearded dragons are not. The bearded dragon also does not maintain the same characteristics that the dragons (the Chinese New Year Dragon for example) in Asian culture portray. They do not breathe fire nor have a large snake-like body shape. Bearded dragons are a fairly new species (especially compared to Asian culture and tradition) and these animals are very new popularity wise. Chinese dragons in folklore date back hundreds if not thousands of years, so it can be easily understood how bearded dragons are not included. When it comes to actual dragons, they are quite common in both western and eastern folklore and literature. Some folk tales that include dragons relating to Greek mythology (western folk lore) are “The Dragon of Boeotia,” in which a cruel prince is turned into a “helpless lizard,” and the tale, “How Three Mighty Heroes Saved the Sun and the Moon from the Dragon.” In most cases, dragons are portrayed as villains in western literature and often end up being slain by noblemen. Crossing over to the other side of the world, dragons are much more common in eastern literature. Some stories include “The Daughter and the Dragon King,” where a king is actually able to take dragon form whenever he pleases, and also “The Dragon’s Revenge,” in which a woman transforms into a dragon to take revenge on a past lover who has crossed her. Dragons are much more highly regarded in these eastern cultures’ folk tales and they are also commonly seen as the main subject in children’s picture books and many fictional novels. 

 http://fairrosa.info/dragon/

Bearded Dragons in Art

Unfortunately I could not find any strictly bearded dragon specialized art or artists. The closest I have found are a couple artists that focus on reptiles or “Dragon” species (komodo, bearded, etc.). Most bearded dragon art found online is photography, which usually consists of owners taking pictures of their own pet. For the artists who do focus on reptiles, though, it seems they tend to focus on the bearded dragon species a little more. This could possibly be because of their exotic, interesting look, or because their pleasant disposition allows humans to take pictures of or draw them easily.

Bearded Dragon and Reptile Art and Sculpture Facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bearded-Dragon-and-Reptile-Art-and-Sculpture/256886591020569