Meet the Victorian grassland earless dragon
Scientific name: Tympanocryptis Pinguicolla
Conservation status
Australian Government status: critically endangered
Victorian Government status: critically endangered
About
The Victorian grassland earless dragon (VGED) is a light brown lizard with 3 white stripes and darker bands on its body. The ‘little dragon’ is just 15 centimetres from head to tail when fully grown. Unlike most other lizards, the VGED does not have external ear openings.
It’s an energetic animal for its size and adults can move over 110 metres in a day. The elusive VGED is listed as critically endangered. It had not been seen in Victoria for more than half a century but was rediscovered in 2023, west of Melbourne.
The VGED is likely an annual species, maturing within 1 year and living for less than 2. This makes them prone to big changes in population after poor conditions or major disturbances. They can live to more than 5 years in captivity.
Spider burrows are an important habitat for the lizard. They provide shelter, breeding, overwintering, and protection from predators and extreme temperatures. Invertebrates are their key food source.
Threats
- habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation
- feral cats and foxes
- introduced plants and rabbits which impact habitat condition
- pesticides
- droughts and increasing temperatures.
Where are they found?
Historically, VGEDs occurred in a broad area of native temperate grasslands, in an area from Sunbury to the north-west and Bannockburn to the south-west. Currently the species is known from only one location, west of Melbourne.
Potential habitat for the VGED is shown in the VGED Habitat Distribution Model.
What we are doing
DEECA is working with agency partners and the VGED Recovery Team to support the conservation and recovery of the species. The Recovery Team includes representation from Zoos Victoria, Traditional Owners, species experts, geneticists, husbandry and breeding experts, wildlife ecologists, and the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.
We are also working to protect the Victorian grassland earless dragon through conservation actions set out in a Commonwealth-approved Prescription.
The Prescription is a formal plan that ensures VGED is managed by the Victorian Government through conservation activities. These include habitat assessments, targeted surveys and potential in-situ management and relocation activities, including salvage and reintroductions to suitable alternative habitat.
We have prepared an action statement which guides the conservation actions required for the recovery of the species, as required under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, which is available on DEECA’s website.
This will sit alongside the Commonwealth’s National Recovery Plan for grassland earless dragons including the VGED and published survey guidelines for grassland earless dragons.
Find out more about the VGED Prescription.
Page last updated: 28/11/25