Monaro Grassland Earless 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: Tympanocryptis osbornei

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 11 Feb 2022

Profile last updated: 23 Feb 2024

Description

The Grassland Earless Dragon is a small dragon, with a maximum adult head and body length of around 7 cm, and a maximum overall length of 16 cm. It has three thin white lines running from the neck, along the body and down the tail. These lines divide an irregular pattern of light and dark brown or reddish cross-bands on the back. This patchy pattern gives it very good camouflage in its grassland habitat. This species has no external ear openings. Dragon lizards are characterised by rough spiny body scales and an erect stance, clear of the ground.

Distribution

Natural temperate grassland and native pasture on the Monaro Basalt Plains between Cooma and south-west of Nimmitabel

Habitat and ecology

Restricted to a small number of Natural Temperate Grassland sites dominated by wallaby grasses (Nothodanthonia spp.), spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.), Poa Tussock (Poa sieberiana), Red Grass (Bothriochloa macra), and occasionally Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis). Introduced pasture grasses occur at many of the sites supporting this species, which has also been captured in secondary grassland.
Within its habitat, apparently prefers areas with a more open structure, characterised by small patches of bare ground between the grasses and herbs. However, it is possible that this is related to lower detectability in denser grassland rather than absence from it.
In addition to tussocks, partially embedded surface rocks, and spider and insect holes are used for shelter. These are important micro-habitat elements within the grassland habitat. Rocks and arthropod holes provide important thermal refuges during temperature extremes.
Feeds on small invertebrates, including ants and spiders.
Tends to be inactive beneath rocks or in arthropod burrows during the winter months.
Lays up to five eggs in shallow nests or burrows, (sometimes those dug by spiders or other arthropods), between late spring and late summer.
Young hatch in late summer and autumn.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Highlands

Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation as land is cleared or otherwise impacted for residential, agricultural, rural lifestyle subdivision and industrial developments.
Collection of bush rock and rock-removal for pasture management purposes.
Habitat degradation through ploughing.
Heavy grazing and trampling by stock and rabbits, causing habitat degradation through root damage, prevention of seedling establishment and erosion.
Invasion of habitat by weeds or escaped pasture species that degrade habitat.
Changed fire regimes that result in changes to vegetation structure and composition and also to invertebrate populations that are the food source for this species.
Feral animals and domestic cats and dogs from neighbouring properties.
Erection of fences within known habitat, providing perches for predatory birds (e.g. Brown Falcon - Falco berigora).
Modification and shading of habitat through tree-planting in native grasslands.
Addition of fertilisers and application of other agricultural chemicals that modify grassland flora and fauna.
Changed hydrology from activities such as irrigation and effluent disposal.
Lack of landholder awareness of threats to the species, particularly the negative impact of some land management practices such as the removal of natural grazers, changes to historical grazing patterns, pasture improvement and removal of surface rock.
Poor knowledge of the species' distribution and population sizes
Kangaroo grazing in the nature reserve reducing tussock cover for the dragons.
Severe drought can lead to low soil moisture and failed recruitment. In combination with inappropriate land management can limit post-drought recovery
Increased biomass, particularly in wetter years, can reduce the availability of inter-tussock spaces for foraging and basking, increase the risk of severe fire and may create less favourable conditions for arthropods and other important food sources.

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

Keep domestic cats and dogs indoors at night; desex domestic cats and dogs.
Undertake feral animal control programs.
Survey for the species in suitable habitat in areas that are proposed for development or changed management actions, and mark sites onto maps or plans. If found inform land managers of appropriate management actions.
Retain and protect natural grassland remnants and grassland with appropriate structure within the known and former distribution of the species.
Do not collect bushrock or remove rocks for pasture management purposes.
Do not destroy habitat and surrounding areas by ploughing.
Do not allow heavy, prolonged grazing regimes by stock in habitat known to support the species.
Avoid driving vehicles across known sites.
Until evidence to the contrary, use grazing in preference to fire if biomass management is considered necessary.
Do not erect fences or other structures on which predatory birds can perch.
Do not plant trees and shrubs into habitat as they provide perches for predatory birds and shade habitat.
Control invasions of weeds and pasture species (but be wary of the impact of herbicide use in habitat); where possible, use methods that directly target weeds, such as spot spraying and hand removal.
Ensure remnant populations remain connected or linked to each other; in cases where remnants have lost connective links, re-establish viable links by revegetating with native grasses and providing rocks and other shelters to act as stepping stones for dispersal.
Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning hazard reduction burns and avoid burning these areas until more research on the impacts of fire on this species and its food is undertaken.