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RAiD https://raid.org/10.71613/29ab9752
NESP RL Project 3.9 - Emerging Priorities: Research to support the rediscovery of Australia’s most imperilled reptile, the Victorian grassland earless dragon (Phase 2)

Dates

Start Date
01-Jul-2023
End Date
30-Jun-2027

Titles

Title
NESP RL Project 3.9 - Emerging Priorities: Research to support the rediscovery of Australia’s most imperilled reptile, the Victorian grassland earless dragon (Phase 2)
Title Type
Primary
Title Type:
Primary
 Preferred full description or abstract.
Start Date
01-May-2023
End Date
30-Jun-2027
Language
English

Descriptions

Description

This project is trialling the use of specially trained detection dogs to sniff out the critically endangered Victorian grassland earless dragon. The dragon – a cryptic lizard that was presumed to be extinct – was recently rediscovered in grasslands in Victoria’s west. The lizard had not been seen in more than 50 years, despite many searches. New methods are needed to find any remaining populations in the grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain.

This project is supporting the Zoos Victoria Wildlife Detection Dog Squad to train dogs to detect the Victorian grassland earless dragon by harnessing the dogs’ exceptional sense of smell. Having better ways to find the dragon is critical to its conservation by providing much-needed information about its populations, ecology and habitat use. Locating more dragons for a conservation-breeding program and insurance population is another way to save them from extinction.

If this project shows that detection dogs can successfully find this lizard, it could be a game-changer in the conservation of this and other imperilled Australian reptiles.

Key research areas

To address the challenge of finding rare reptiles and improve knowledge, capacity and tools for their management and conservation, we will work with government, Traditional Owners and landholders to:

  • train dogs to detect the rare and cryptic Victorian grassland earless dragon
  • undertake surveys across habitat that’s suitable for dragons in priority areas
  • enhance understanding of the effectiveness of using detection dogs to find rare reptiles
  • assist conservation in Victoria’s Southern Plains, a priority place of the Australian Government’s Threatened species action plan 2022–2032.

Pathway to impact

This project will support threatened reptile conservation by:

  • improving methods for detecting rare and hard-to-find species
  • strengthening knowledge of species distribution and habitat use
  • supporting more targeted monitoring and recovery actions.
Description Type

Primary
Description Type:

Primary

 Preferred full description or abstract
Language
English
Description

Key research areas

To address the challenge of finding rare reptiles and improve knowledge, capacity and tools for their management and conservation, we will work with government, Traditional Owners and landholders to:

  • train dogs to detect the rare and cryptic Victorian grassland earless dragon
  • undertake surveys across habitat that’s suitable for dragons in priority areas
  • enhance understanding of the effectiveness of using detection dogs to find rare reptiles
  • assist conservation in Victoria’s Southern Plains, a priority place of the Australian Government’s Threatened species action plan 2022–2032.
Description Type

Other
Description Type:

Other

 Any other descriptive information, e.g. a note or similar.
Language
English

Contributors

Leader
Yes
Contact
Yes
Positions
Position
Principal or Chief Investigator
Position:
Principal or Chief Investigator
 Principal investigator refers to the person(s) in charge of a research project
Start Date
01-May-2023
End Date
---
Roles
No Entries

Organisations

Name
Zoos Victoria

Roles
Role
Lead Research Organisation
Role:
Lead Research Organisation
 The research organistion administratively responsible for the project; administering organisation
Start Date
2023-05-01
End Date
---

RelatedObjects

Citation
---
Type
Report
Categories
Output

Alternate Identifier

No Entries

Alternate URLs

Related RAiDs

Title
NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub (10.71821/ffc970c8)
Relation
IsPartOf
Relation:
IsPartOf
 Relates a subproject back to its parent project

Access

Type
Open Access
Type:
Open Access
 Open access refers to a resource that is immediately and permanently online, and free for all on the Web, without financial and technical barriers.The resource is either stored in the repository or referenced to an external journal or trustworthy archive.
Language
---
Text
---
Embargo Expiry
---

Subjects

Subject
Animal systematics and taxonomy (310401)
Keywords
Text
reptile
Language
eng
Subject
Conservation and biodiversity (410401)
Keywords
Text
threatened species
Language
eng
Subject
Animal behaviour (310901)
Keywords
Text
detection dogs
Language
eng
Subject
Natural resource management (410406)
Keywords
Text
Indigenous land management
Language
eng
Subject
Population ecology (310307)
Keywords
Text
monitoring
Language
eng

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