Barrier Range Dragon - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Ctenophorus mirrityana

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 20 Mar 2015

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

Males are grey or grey-brown with cream to orange spots on the sides of the neck. Females are less colourful. Up to 220mm in total length.

Distribution

Currently known from three highly restricted and fragmented sites near Mutawintji National Park and Broken Hill.

Habitat and ecology

Restricted to rock outcrops in ranges and gorges. It is absent from apparently suitable habitat in NSW.
Diurnal, basking on exposed rocks.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Habitat degradation by livestock and rabbits, particularly during drought, may decrease populations and impede dispersal.
Predation by cats can impact upon local populations.
Too frequent fire; risk of multiple burns within 20 years.
Habitat degradation by goats through browsing on vegetation and disturbance to rock habitat, including pollution of key crevice habitat by scats.
Inappropriate land management practices and/or change in land use on leasehold properties due to economic incentive.
This species is threaten by fox predation.
Uncertainty with respect to the species habitat requirements, distribution, reproductive ecology, and the effects of different predators on breeding success.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Control vertebrate pest populations, e.g. foxes, cats and rabbits.
Reduce or exclude grazing in some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation.
Retain understorey shrubs.
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks.

Information sources

Cogger. H.G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 7th Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.)
McLean, C.A., Moussalli, A., Sass, S. and Stuart-Fox, D. (2013) Taxonomic assessment of the Ctenophorus decresii complex (Reptilia: Agamidae) reveals a new species of dragon lizard from western New South Wales. Records of the Australian Museum 65(3): 51–63
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Tawny crevice-dragon - Endangered species determination - final.
Sadlier, R.A. and Pressey, R.L. (1994) Reptiles and amphibians of particular conservation concern in the Western Division of New South Wales: A preliminary review. Biological Conservation 69(1): 41-54
Swan, G. and Foster, R. (2005) The reptiles and amphibians of Mutawintji National Park, Western New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 33(1): 39-48
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Known	None
Mulga Lands	White Cliffs Plateau	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Predicted	None