Venomous Bearded Dragons

[BeTheChange]

After having to do a research paper on a molecular biologist, Bryan Grieg Fry, I was surprised to find out that bearded dragons do actually have some venom genes!

For a long time it was thought that only the beaded lizard and the Gila monster were the only venomous lizards, but Dr. Fry discovered around 200 different venomous lizards. Some of which include the bearded dragon and the Komodo dragon!

"The researchers then began comparing these genes to those for snake venom. "We isolated some rattlesnake toxins from the bearded dragons and started getting really excited," Dr. Fry said. Further research turned up venom genes in other species." (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/22/science/22venom.html)

Just thought that I would share :mrgreen: I found this incredibly fascinating!

 

[bambichik39]

viewtopic.php?p=1253439 theres a thread about it

 

[AHBD]

Whatever tiny little connection there may possibly be, I'm sure that it can't actually be referred to as venomous in any harmful sense of the word. If you can just imagine people starting to say they are venomous, there will be people who hear it and don't know anything about beardies and conclude that it would be dangerous to have one and sensationalize the claim.

 

[Jpiroden]

That's really interesting! I did not know that! A venomous bearded dragon... Now THAT would be an interesting addition to my collection

 

[BeTheChange]

Whatever tiny little connection there may possibly be, I'm sure that it can't actually be referred to as venomous in any harmful sense of the word. If you can just imagine people starting to say they are venomous, there will be people who hear it and don't know anything about beardies and conclude that it would be dangerous to have one and sensationalize the claim.

Regardless of the potency or threat, they would still be considered venomous in regard to the definition. But so would 200 other species of lizards. I just found this interesting.. And if people are going to conclude that bearded dragons are dangerous, then let them do it! That is their own ignorance talking and I would think that it was best that they steered clear of bearded dragons anyways. Especially if they were to conclude something so suddenly. I cannot speak for you, but I know that I wouldn't want my lizard around anyone like that! Lol.

 

[BeTheChange]

http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1253439 theres a thread about it

Thank you! I am a little confused on their skepticism though. Considering that the scientist that concluded in these findings is considered a world expert on venom and is originally from the United States.. Lol.

 

[RedInkAus]

From memory as a summarised version of the paper was floating around in a locally published magazine here... you guys over there have nothing to fear from your BDs. The species involved in the research was Pagona barbata and not vitticeps.

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

Francis!!!!!! Nice to see you My Friend!!!
Just to add into this just because they carry the gene for venom doesnt mean its active.

 

[AHBD]

Just wanted to add that my reply is not in any way intended to show disrespect for the poster, or for any scientific researcher at all. I'm just thinking along the lines that animals such as snakes/ fish / jellyfish are classified in the animal kingdom as venomous / non - venomous. I don't think bearded dragons will ever fall in the " venomous" list.

 

[Jpiroden]

Just wanted to add that my reply is not in any way intended to show disrespect for the poster, or for any scientific researcher at all. I'm just thinking along the lines that animals such as snakes/ fish / jellyfish are classified in the animal kingdom as venomous / non - venomous. I don't think bearded dragons will ever fall in the " venomous" list.

I donk believe it meant ALL bearded dragons are venomous. I believe it meant a sub species of the bearded dragon(as RedInkAus pointed of) contain the venom gene. Which is present in some of the sub species.

 

[RedInkAus]

Francis!!!!!! Nice to see you My Friend!!!
Just to add into this just because they carry the gene for venom doesnt mean its active.

Good to see you too Tom!!!

I totally agree mate (bear with me here it was a couple of years ago that I read the summary). The "venom" that was found was similar in composition to the venom found in rattlesnakes (of all things). Now where the proteins found in their saliva and the rattler's venom differed as you said is the fact that P. barbata's was not an "active" venom. Snake venom is a complex mix and combinations of protein strains and only some of these where found in barbarta's saliva and not in the same combination.

For those interested in Dr. Fry's work in venom research...
http://www.venomdoc.com/venomdoc/Venomdoc.html

He is actually presenting in Sydney at the Australian Herpetological Society meeting on the 26th of this month on his work on venom research.... Unfortunately for me it's bad timing as it coincides with my anual "walkabout" around Australia. I fly to Far North Queensland that following weekend up to the Daintree National park for some herping, hoping to find some Morelias. I'm really excited about it as from there me and the wife drive to outback Queensland to go look for some varanids and geckos then down to New South Wales all the way back to Melbourne (cross country North to South over 13 days)

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

I expect pictures My friend. Safe trip and happy hunting.

 

[AHBD]

In the long run, I don't think this will frighten many potential owners. I'm just looking at the point that was brought out now that it seems to be a characteristic of P. barbata, which, as Redink pointed out, is not the one kept in the U.S. as a pet[ P.vitticeps ] But the article does say that this venom is found in the " hugely popular pet bearded dragon" The hugely popular pet IS the P.vitticeps that everyone here owns, so there is enough confusion to dissuade or confuse possibly, someone who is Googling bearded dragons to research it as a potential pet and then come upon that info. Not debating here, just saying it is a bit foggy and fuzzy all around.

 

[HaleyMaree]

Luckily Puff is soo calm!

~Haley