World first breeding program sees Critically Endangered Dragons hatch at Melbourne Zoo

A world first breeding program has seen 26 Victorian Grassland Earless Dragons emerge from their eggs at Melbourne Zoo. The breeding program is aimed at saving the species from extinction.

These dragons are part of the first successful breeding program for the species which is made up of 16 male and 13 female dragons that were collected from the wild after their rediscovery earlier this year. More hatchlings are expected in the coming weeks.

The new hatchlings are kept in climate-controlled conditions and cared for by a specialist keeper at the zoo before eventually being released back into their natural habitat.

Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Dr Jenny Gray noted “this first success is a small step on the road to fighting the extinction of this precious Victorian reptile, it’s incredible to see what has been achieved by the recovery team over the 10 months since the rediscovery of the species.”

The hatchling nursery and keeper were funded through a $246,000 donation from American breakthrough genetic engineering and de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences.

Colossal Chief Executive and co-Founder Ben Lamm adds "every time we can help save an animal or revive a species, we are delivering on our mission. Colossal, in partnership with Zoos Victoria, is proving that when we combine next-generation science with a focus on animal stewardship we can protect and preserve the diverse and lost species of our planet."

The Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon is listed as Critically Endangered in Victoria and nationally. Before its rediscovery earlier this year, the species had not been seen for more than 50 years and was widely believed to be extinct. The recovery, breeding and protection of the dragon is essential to the survival of the species.

Other conservation efforts currently underway include development of a conservation plan, undertaking surveys in a bid to find new habitat and more populations, and genetics research to support further discoveries.

The Federal and State Governments have invested $188,000 towards specially trained detection dogs to sniff out more populations of the dragon.

Conservation efforts for this species are a collaboration between Zoos Victoria, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action,Museums Victoria, Wildlife Profiles Pty Lt and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation.