Saving the last 11 wild 'earless dragons' remaining on Earth

Don’t be fooled by its name. The grassland earless dragon isn’t a mythical beast. It’s a real, albeit peculiar, little lizard fighting for its life in Australia’s wild grasslands.

These unique creatures are only found amongst Australia’s grasslands, making them an irreplaceable piece of the country’s natural heritage.

Here’s the alarming part: the wild grassland earless dragon population is on the verge of collapse. A few years ago, there were hundreds; now, just 11.

Dwindling population of the earless dragon

In some parts of Australia, they haven’t been seen for decades. While 11 might seem like a small number on its own, for a wild population, it’s a critical warning sign.

This puts the grassland earless dragon on the brink of extinction. It’s time to unravel the mystery behind their disappearance.

Earless dragons face a barrage of threats. Australia’s unique wildlife, home to an incredible variety of reptiles, is battling climate change, invasive species, and habitat destruction.

The devastating bushfires of 2019 ravaged millions of hectares, wreaking havoc on delicate ecosystems.

Environmental needs

These diminutive lizards, known for their distinct lack of external ears and relatively small size, require specific habitat conditions to thrive.

They inhabit temperate grasslands, a biome increasingly rare due to human activities such as urban development and agricultural expansion.

The precise environmental requirements of the earless dragons make them particularly vulnerable to the broad-scale environmental changes that are occurring across Australia.

Their struggle is emblematic of the broader crisis impacting Australia’s biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts.

Breeding programs for earless dragons

Dedicated scientists, like Professor Bernd Gruber at the University of Canberra, are in a race against time. Gruber told the AFP recently, “If we properly manage their conservation, we can bring them back.”

But it’s not easy. Breeding programs are our best hope, but the path is fraught with unique challenges.

Breeding programs offer a glimmer of hope. While they are essential, lizard matchmaking is no simple affair.

Female earless dragons are picky, and scientists need to introduce them to several potential partners before finding a good match.

Moreover, researchers need to conduct genetic analysis to ensure healthy, diverse offspring, preventing the problems that can arise in populations with limited genetic variety.

Professor Gruber’s current project involves caring for over 20 newly hatched dragons. “There is a sense of hope looking over them,” he shares. It’s a delicate and painstaking process, but every single hatchling represents a step towards rebuilding the population.

A fragile ecosystem

Grassland earless dragons aren’t just cute; they play a vital role in their ecosystem. Experts think they help manage insect populations and aerate the soil. Imagine how different Australia’s grasslands would look without them.

The fight isn’t just about saving one species “They are highly specialized to live in their habitat but they will not adapt quickly to change,” explains Peta Bulling of the Australian Conservation Foundation. We need to protect their homes to give these reintroduced lizards a fighting chance.

More about earless dragons

As discussed above, earless dragons, belonging to the genus Tympanocryptis, are a group of lizards that are highly unique to Australia, particularly noted for their absence of external ear openings.

These reptiles, often camouflaged against the grasslands they inhabit, have evolved a fascinating set of characteristics that distinguish them from other lizard species.

Physical characteristics

An adult earless dragon can grow to about 15 centimeters in length, roughly the size of a US dollar bill, making them relatively small compared to other reptilian fauna.

Their bodies are slender, and their coloration, typically a blend of light brown with distinctive white stripes or patterns along their sides, helps them blend into their grassy surroundings.

This camouflage is crucial for avoiding predators and successful hunting of their insect prey.

Habitat and distribution

Earless dragons prefer temperate grassland habitats, a biome that has faced significant reduction across Australia due to urban expansion, agriculture, and other forms of land use change.

These habitats are critical not only for the dragons but also for a host of other species, including various invertebrates and plants, forming a complex ecosystem that has existed for thousands of years.

Diet and behavior

Primarily insectivorous, earless dragons feed on a variety of insects and arthropods found within their grassland homes.

Their hunting strategy is largely opportunistic, relying on their ability to remain unseen until the perfect moment to strike.

The breeding behavior of these dragons is fascinating, involving complex rituals that ensure the selection of the strongest and most genetically diverse mates.

There’s still hope for the earless dragon, but urgent action is needed. Whether it’s supporting conservation efforts, reducing our environmental impact, or simply spreading awareness, each of us can play a small part in ensuring these unique lizards get a second chance.

Let’s make sure their story doesn’t end in extinction.

—–

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates. 

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–