Grassland Earless Dragon
Tympanocryptis pinguicolla
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 1/06/2023
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 14/06/2017
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: None
Priority species? Yes
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Grassland Earless Dragon is a small lizard of the family Agamidae. Earless dragons differ from other members of the family by lacking an external ear opening and functional tympanum (ear drum). Observations in NSW and the ACT indicate that the species is found in natural temperate grasslands, dominated by wallaby grasses, spear grasses and tussock grasses.
Threats
The main factors involved in the decline of the Grassland Earless Dragon are thought to be loss and fragmentation of habitat due to urban, industrial or agricultural development. In remaining areas of habitat, ongoing degradation processes have included: ploughing, changed fire regimes, changed grazing regimes (introduced and native grazers), weed invasion, use of agricultural chemicals, rock removal, and the impacts of introduced animals, either by predation or by grazing.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
Average life span:
Unknown
Number of young produced each year:
Unknown
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
Unknown
Who is helping
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database