In the windswept grasslands west of Melbourne, a team of four-legged conservation heroes has made an extraordinary discovery: thirteen critically endangered Victorian grassland earless dragons—reptiles not seen in the wild for over 50 years.
Thanks to a cutting-edge wildlife detection dog program launched by Zoos Victoria in 2023, these elusive lizards were found in previously unknown burrows, marking a major milestone in efforts to save Australia’s most imperiled reptile.
A Species Thought Lost
Long presumed extinct, the Victorian grassland earless dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla) had vanished from scientific records for decades. That changed in 2023, when one was miraculously rediscovered on privately owned grassland—sending ripples of excitement through Australia’s conservation community.
Once common across native grasslands, the earless dragon has suffered from severe habitat loss, environmental degradation, and population fragmentation. The last confirmed sighting was in 1969. According to The Guardian, only about 0.5% of its original grassland habitat remains.
Despite these challenges, the species has shown remarkable resilience. Dr. Jane Melville, senior curator of terrestrial vertebrates at Museums Victoria Research Institute, praised the tiny reptile’s ability to endure against the odds.
Dogs Join the Conservation Team
In response to the rediscovery, Zoos Victoria quickly launched an intensive program to train detection dogs to locate the dragons’ burrows by scent. While wildlife detection dogs have been used successfully to track rare species like koalas and quolls, locating a small, ground-dwelling reptile presented a new challenge.
After months of preparation, dogs Daisy and Kip began their mission—and succeeded. They sniffed out 13 dragons hidden underground, where traditional search methods had failed. The dogs’ keen sense of smell has opened new doors for studying this secretive species.
A Second Chance for a Vanishing Species
With the rediscovery of the dragons and confirmation of multiple burrows, hopes are high that a recovery plan can be implemented. Conservationists are now focusing on habitat protection, captive breeding, and long-term monitoring to prevent the species from slipping away again.
The Victorian grassland earless dragon is one of four earless dragon species native to Australia—but it is the most at risk. Its native grassland habitat has been drastically reduced due to agriculture and urban development.
“We’re really lucky to have a second opportunity with this species that was presumed extinct,” said Garry Peterson, the Zoo’s Victoria general manager of threatened species
What Does The Future Hold?
The detection dogs will continue working with ecologists to expand the search for more dragons and burrows. Some of the rediscovered reptiles have already been transferred to Melbourne Zoo to kick off a conservation breeding program.
For a species once thought lost, the rediscovery—and the dogs that made it possible—represent more than a scientific achievement. They’re a powerful reminder that with the right tools and determination, hope can be sniffed out even in the unlikeliest places.
