Remotecameras and conservation dogs will be deployed as part of a University of Queensland research project aiming to conserve four threatened Queensland reptile species.
Dr April Reside from UQ’s School of the Environment said project was funded through the Queensland Government’s Threatened Species Program and will investigate threats to the Condamine earless dragon, the Roma earless dragon, the grey snake, and the five-clawed worm-skink.
“It’s vital key threats to these unique species are better understood before it’s too late,” Dr Reside said.
“Half of the Australian reptiles most at risk of extinction are found in Queensland – four are grassland earless dragons and we know surprisingly little about them.
“Earless dragons are tiny lizards who, as the name suggests, lack any external ear structures, instead having ear drums simply covered with scaly skin.
Image: The University of Queensland
“These creatures live in and around crops, but we are yet to determine why they can survive in some cropped areas but not others.”
Dr Reside said invasive species such as cats and foxes are threats to the earless dragon, but little is known about the true impact they have on the reptiles.
“We will investigate this by monitoring the behaviour of both the reptiles and their predators, to determine if they are being targeted,” she said.
“Remote cameras and small ink pads will be used to track the activity of the reptiles and their predators, an effective way of finding out who is hanging out where.”
