Bearded dragons are popular pet reptiles whose welfare depends critically on providing appropriate UV-B lighting, temperature gradients and dietary variety that replicates their Australian desert habitat.
Bearded dragon welfare failures are almost entirely caused by inadequate husbandry knowledge at the point of acquisition. Insufficient UV-B causes metabolic bone disease causing deformities and chronic pain. Incorrect temperatures impair digestion and immune function. Both problems are preventable and represent a husbandry rather than species-specific welfare challenge.