In brief:

• The Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon is facing extinction.
• A significant ACT Government investment will help conserve the local species.
• This article looks at ways the funds will be used and what has been done already to save the species.

New ACT Government funding will help prevent extinction of the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon.

The unique lizard is found only in the Canberra region. It is one of the Territory’s most critically endangered species.

The Government will invest $4.5 million to support a recovery plan to help conserve the species. This builds on $2.7 million already invested since 2020.

How will the funds be used?

The additional $4.5 million will support:

• $2.4 million for program operations. This includes ACT Government staffing to manage the Tidbinbilla breeding colony and deliver recovery actions.
• $2 million to expand the breeding colony at Melbourne Zoo. The aim is for up to 200 breeding individuals.
• $120,000 for ongoing release of Dragons bred in captivity back into the wild.

What has been done already?

The additional investment builds on previous government investment starting in 2020. This has been for:

• habitat restoration
• trial reintroductions
• population viability modelling
• cutting-edge genetic matchmaking to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse population.

The ACT Government has been running a captive breeding program.

The new funding will help expand recovery efforts.

Why is Melbourne Zoo involved?

Melbourne Zoo has a captive colony of Dragons.

Improving the species’ genetic diversity is key to ensuring its recovery.

Genetic analysis and matchmaking programs are essential to address inbreeding.

As such, the ongoing partnership with the zoo is crucial.

Melbourne Zoo provides animals for release and research.

It has also shared expertise in husbandry and breeding techniques.

What else should I know about the Dragon?

The Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon measures just 15cm and weighs 5–9 grams.

It was only recognised as a distinct species in 2019. It is now listed as critically endangered.

The Dragon population has declined dramatically due to:

• habitat loss
• fragmentation
• altered fire and grazing regimes
• climate impacts.

Wild populations are now found only in:

• the Majura Valley
• the Jerrabomberra Valley
• parts of Queanbeyan.

The new investment will ensure continued conservation action.

It aims to give the Dragon a real chance to thrive again in Canberra grasslands.

Learn more about the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon on the Environment website.

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