A new national recovery plan will help protect 4 of Australia's most threatened reptiles. The Victorian, Canberra and Bathurst grassland earless dragons are 'Critically Endangered'. The Monaro grassland earless dragon is 'Endangered'.
These dragons live in some of Australia's most heavily cleared ecosystems. They can be hard to find because they are tiny, blend into their habitat, and usually shelter underground (often in spider burrows).
The Victorian dragon was rediscovered in 2023 after not being seen for more than 50 years. The Canberra and Monaro dragons were rediscovered in the 1990s after not being seen for decades. The Bathurst dragon has not been seen since the 1990s.
One species becomes four
In 2019, research showed the grassland earless dragon was actually 4 separate species.
This plan reflects this discovery and sets out actions to protect and recover all 4 species.
Working together for the dragons
This recovery plan came into effect on 15 October 2026. It was made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The plan has been made jointly by the:
- Australian Government
- Australian Capital Territory government
- Victorian government.
Protecting these imperilled species requires a shared effort. Governments, scientists and land managers all have a role to play.
The Australian Government is providing support for protection and recovery action. This includes initiatives like the Saving Native Species Program and National Environmental Science Program.
