A dedicated team of wildlife detection dogs is playing a vital role in the conservation of the critically endangered Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon. This remarkable initiative, undertaken by Zoos Victoria, involves three specially-trained dogs—Daisy, Sugar, and Kip—who have been equipped to locate the lizard’s burrows over a year-long program.
The species, once believed to be extinct, was rediscovered in 2023 near Melbourne, prompting efforts to ensure its survival. The canine team, guided by professional handlers Naomi Hodgens, Dr La Toya Jamieson, and Dr Nick Rutter, conducted searches at the site of the lizard’s re-emergence. Remarkably, within just 11 days, the dogs uncovered eight wild dragons in unprecedented locations, contributing to a total of 13 discoveries throughout the initiative.
The dogs’ success in finding the dragons was consistent, unaffected by varying seasonal conditions or temperature shifts. Due to this positive outcome, there are plans to deploy the dogs to other grassland areas to search for additional burrows.
Dr Rutter expressed his exhilaration upon discovering a dragon, describing it as a memorable peak in his career. He shared the joy felt when Daisy located a dragon, highlighting the emotional intensity of such moments. However, the training of these dogs requires significant time and investment, underpinned by a solid, science-based training methodology. The bond between the handlers and their dogs is essential for operational effectiveness, as Dr Rutter emphasised the importance of building this relationship through dedicated training and fieldwork.
Looking ahead, experts aim to expand the programme to include the detection of three more endangered species of grassland earless dragons: the Canberra grassland earless dragon, the Monaro grassland earless dragon, and the Bathurst grassland earless dragon.
This initiative underscores the vital intersection of animal training and conservation efforts, showcasing how innovative methods can aid in the revival of species once thought lost. The unique approach taken by Zoos Victoria and their dedicated team of dogs signifies a hopeful future for the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon and potentially other endangered species.