Pogona henrylawsoni

Terrestrial desert/arid terrarium, longer than it is tall, well ventilated, with a strong horizontal thermal gradient

Minimum dimensions for an adult; bigger is always better. Provide at least one hide on the warm side and one on the cool side, flat basking surfaces and stones to bask under the spot, and a low branch. Avoid mesh 'screen' type terrariums, which hold neither the heat nor the UVB.

Dry conditions. Excessive humidity and poor ventilation promote respiratory and skin infections. A slight localised humidity peak (a humid hide or occasional misting) helps during sheds.

Loose particulate substrate poses a risk of digestive obstruction (impaction), especially in young animals or those kept too cold. Preferably feed in a bowl or off the substrate, and ensure an effective hot spot for good digestion.

Essential. Powerful desert-type UVB lighting (linear T5 HO 10-12%, or 12% tube) covering a good part of the length, replaced every 6-12 months depending on the model. Position the hot spot and the UVB zone in the same place (the animal thermoregulates and exposes itself simultaneously). Without adequate UVB: high risk of metabolic bone disease. Also provide good daytime lighting (photoperiod ~12-14 h in summer, reduced in winter).

A small, shallow bowl of clean water (refreshed regularly). The species also hydrates via plant matter; occasional misting or an occasional lukewarm bath help with hydration and shedding. Avoid any permanent stagnant humidity.

Australia: arid and semi-arid interior of central-western Queensland (sometimes northern South Australia). An Australian endemic species: since the export of wildlife is banned in Australia, all specimens in the trade are captive-bred (no wild caught). Not listed on CITES, but always favour a captive-bred, traceable animal.

Omnivore — Small-sized insects: crickets, juvenile/small roaches (Blaptica dubia), locusts; + plant matter (dandelion leaves, endive, lamb's lettuce, cress, edible flowers) and a little vegetable. Occasionally silkworms/phoenix worms.

A diet close to that of P. vitticeps but with smaller prey (rule: never wider than the animal's inter-orbital space). Juveniles: a high proportion of insects, fed daily. Adults: mostly plant matter (60-80%), insects 2-3 times/week to limit excess weight. Avoid mealworms and fatty prey in excess. Supplement: calcium powder (with or without D3 depending on the UVB) on the insects and minerals/vitamins a few times a week.

Clutch 10–20 eggs/young. Often several clutches per season after mating. Provide a humid lay box (mouldable soil/sand mix) that is deep enough. Artificial incubation typically around 28-30 °C for hatching in ~55-75 days (duration varies with temperature). Females must be in excellent condition (calcium reserves) to avoid egg retention.

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) linked to a UVB/calcium/D3 deficiency
• Digestive obstruction (impaction) from substrate or overly large prey
• Respiratory infections (an environment that is too cold, too humid or poorly ventilated)
• Digestive parasitoses (pinworms, coccidia, notably Isospora amphiboluri)
• Egg retention (dystocia) in females; atadenovirus infection ('agamid adenovirus'), which can particularly weaken juveniles