The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has updated the habitat distribution model for Australia’s most imperilled reptile – the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon.

Since the species’ surprising rediscovery in January 2023, a significant amount of work has been underway to better understand the habitat requirements and characteristics that the dragons need to survive.

This information has been collated to create a new habitat distribution model with expert input from the Recovery Team to map potential habitat to inform conservation planning, support strategic land use planning and recovery of the species. The Recovery Team includes herpetologist experts, with representatives from Zoos Victoria, the Victorian Government, Commonwealth Government, Museums Victoria, and Wildlife Profiles Pty Ltd, and is leading conservation efforts to save this species from extinction.

The updated model is available on DEECA's  NatureKit platform.

What are habitat distribution models?

Habitat distribution models collect and compare information on where a species has been recorded, and relate those data to environmental variables, such as soil, climate and topography. Statistical and mathematical processes are then used to estimate the distribution of a species’ habitat.

The following habitat distribution model resources are available:

What is the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon habitat distribution model?

The Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon habitat distribution model depicts potential habitat for the species. The model does not predict whether the species occurs in the habitat at a particular location - as many factors can influence this at any given time, including: biogeography, size of the habitat patch and distance from other suitable habitat, natural disturbance cycles or historic disturbance, and seasonal factors. The new model will better target dragon conservation efforts in Victoria.

How can I access the updated habitat distribution model?

How will the habitat distribution model support the planning system?

The model is one of several tools to help planners, developers and decision-makers identify potential habitat and consider the potential impacts of land use changes on the species.

Environmental assessments are prepared based on field surveys and analysis of environmental data. When environmental assessments are being undertaken in locations of potential habitat, these assessments should include consideration of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon within their scope. The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have published survey guidance for the species to support field surveys available here: Survey guidelines for four Grassland Earless Dragons (Tympanocryptis spp.) of Southeast Australia - DCCEEW

The Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon habitat distribution model will help target effort in environmental assessments, providing greater confidence and clarity to the planning and development sectors.

The Victorian Planning Authority will facilitate advice to landowners in Precinct Structure Plan areas that include potential VGED habitat.

Environmental assessments under national environmental law

In addition to being protected under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, VGED are also protected as a critically endangered species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

They are just one of many listed threatened species that must be considered for any activity that could have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance.

DEECA and DCCEEW have collaborated on the application of the VGED HDM. It can be used in conjunction with other information available in the species profile for the Tympanocryptis pinguicolla – Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon to determine whether an activity should be referred for assessment under the EPBC Act.

Conservation and recovery activities underway for the VGED

The Victorian Government is working with a range of stakeholders to support the conservation and recovery of the species and plan for future strategic reintroductions across the landscape. These partners include the Recovery Team, landowners, Zoos Victoria, Commonwealth government and other state government departments.

Conservation and recovery activities include:

  • Preparation of an action statement for the species as required under the FFG Act. This will sit alongside the National Recovery Plan currently in preparation by the Commonwealth Government. Both documents will outline management actions to support species conservation and recovery.
  • Establishment of a successful conservation breeding program by Zoos Victoria which is focussed on ensuring the ongoing survival of the species and preparing populations for reintroduction and release in the future.
  • Securing more than 20,000 hectares of habitat around Melbourne’s outskirts under the Melbourne Strategic Assessment to build a network of conservation reserves that support Matters of National Environmental Significance. This includes large areas that may support future reintroductions of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon.
  • Developing improved habitat assessment and survey guidance and scoping locations for future reintroductions of the species to support its recovery.

Page last updated: 08/07/25