One of Australia's rarest reptiles needs landowners help

Scientists are asking for landholders help to save one of Australia's most threatened reptiles, the Bathurst Grassland Earless Dragon.

The critically endangered lizard is found exclusively in the Bathurst region, and there have been no confirmed sightings since the 1990s.

The Bathurst Grassland Earless Dragon favours habitats with native grass tussocks, wolf spider burrows, rocks, and prey on insects like crickets.

In the hopes of rediscovering the species, Scientists are now calling on landholders in the Bathurst, Blayney and Oberon Local Government Areas to host surveys for the dragon on their properties.

The team leading the investigation consists of scientists from the NSW Government's Saving our Species (SoS) program, the Grassland Earless Dragon Alliance and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS).

Inspired by the recent re-discovery of the Victorian grassland earless dragon, which had not been seen for 50 years, the team is hopeful they will be able to save this local species from extinction.

The scientific name Tympanocryptis roughly translates to 'hidden eardrum' while mccartneyi, refers to Ian McArtney, a Bathurst local and Wiradjuri man after whom the species was named.

Landholders keen to host surveys can express their interest by 31 January 2025 at https://forms.office.com/r/YA1k74QTqm.

Quotes attributed to SOS Threatened Species Officer, Alison Cowie

"The Bathurst grassland earless dragon is one of the most endangered reptiles in the world, and is at risk of becoming the first reptile to go extinct on the Australian mainland in modern history.

"We need the community's help to find this species. Hosting surveys on private land could significantly increase the chances of rediscovering this local, elusive resident.

"Finding the Bathurst grassland earless dragon will be the first step to help safeguard it from extinction."

"If dragons are found on your property, it means that you are doing an excellent job of managing native habitat. Productive landscapes can help protect the Bathurst grassland earless dragon."

To find out more, contact [email protected].

Photographs here: Dropbox