Grassland Earless Dragons:
Great Ecosystem Indicators
Grassland Earless Dragons have proven to be a wonderful species when discussing the importance of maintaining grassland ecosystems in Monaro, NSW.
Throughout the second half of 2024, Upper Snowy Landcare Network, in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, have been rolling out a local schools program aimed at educating students about the Monaro Grassland Earless Dragon, a threatened species endemic to the Monaro region.
These dragons are found in the endangered ecological community of natural temperate grasslands which are home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, many of which are threatened due to factors including land clearing and feral species. Not only are these dragons a fascinating and elusive creature, they’re also a bit cute, reaching a maximum size of 15cm in length and displaying a spectacular array of patterns and colour. They form homes in wolf spider burrows, sun themselves on rocks, and prefer partially open, lightly grazed grassland.
The education program consists of delivering a presentation to students, teaching them about the dragon’s habitat and diet, physical characteristics, and the key threatening processes leading to their decline. This is followed by an identification activity and a craft activity where students get to paint their own 3D model of the dragons. These models were produced with the help of the University of Canberra who assisted us in 3D scanning an earless dragon specimen which is now used to produce these 3D printed models.
We have attended 5 schools across the Monaro region, engaging with about 140 students who have responded with interest and enthusiasm to learning about this unique reptile.
By connecting students with the animals and plants which make up these ecosystems we hope to build a deeper sense of belonging to, and caring for our native grasslands.
This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.
Author: Magdalene Lemcke, Upper Snowy Landcare Network Coordinator
Photos: Upper Snowy Landcare Network
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025
Further information please email: contact@uppersnowylandcare.org.au
