A Dragon Inspires Optimism in Victoria!
"The extraordinary rediscovery of this critically endangered and cryptic lizard inspires optimism for the recovery of this Victorian species," said Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jennifer Gray .
The Victorian grassland earless dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla) was thought to be extinct in the wild for over 50 years but was recently found in a population of about 50 individuals in the Western District of Victoria.
The Victorian grassland earless dragon is a small, brown lizard about 15 centimetres long from head to tail. It has a distinctive three-striped pattern on its back and is named for its lack of external ear openings. The dragon is found in open grasslands and is a specialist predator of ants.
"This is an amazing discovery and offers an opportunity for us to recover a species once thought lost to our state and the world!" said Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt.
The Australian and Victorian Governments have announced a new project to trial the use of detection dogs to sniff out more populations of the dragon. Zoos Victoria is also establishing a conservation breeding program for the dragon.
"To best support the recovery of the Victorian grassland earless dragon, we have to know where they are. Detection dogs are an effective and non-invasive way to find this highly cryptic and critically endangered lizard in the wild," said Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek .
The rediscovery of the dragon is a conservation success and a testament to the work of scientists and conservationists searching for the species for many years.
The dragon is listed as critically endangered under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
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With continued effort, the Victorian grassland earless dragon can be brought back from the brink of extinction. This is a story of hope for all of us and shows that even the most endangered species can be saved if we work together.
The Dragon
The dragon has a flattened body that helps it blend in with the ground. It has long, powerful legs allow it to run and jump quickly. The dragon also has a long tail used for balance and as a weapon.
The dragon is an ambush predator that waits for ants to pass by before striking. Its sticky tongue catches the ants and then swallows them whole. The dragon also eats other insects, such as beetles and grasshoppers. The dragon is an integral part of the ecosystem, and its disappearance would harm other species. The dragon helps control the ants' population, which can damage crops and gardens. The dragon also provides food for other animals, such as birds and snakes.
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