Grasslands are a unique world filled with strange and wonderful creatures. Curiously, some of these species have no mouths, some have no ears, some have no legs, but all have incredible stories behind them. The plants that make up the grasslands are just as fascinating. Now farmers are learning how they can protect the grasslands with help from ecologists and scientists.
What is a natural temperate grassland?
Natural temperate grasslands are made up of perennial grass species as well as a diversity of plants from other plant families. These include lilies, peas, daisies, orchids and other plants collectively known as forbs, along with sedges, rushes and ferns. Some of these species are threatened.
Despite being officially treeless, grasslands can include some isolated trees or small clumps, but generally occur in areas where trees can’t establish for a range of reasons.
The mammals, birds, reptiles and insects of the grasslands are a special mix. Grassland earless dragons, golden sun moths and little whip snakes are just some of the creatures that call grasslands home. Several of these important fauna species are also threatened, and ecologists are discovering the best ways to manage their habitat.
Here be dragons!
As dragons go, they’re pretty miniature, but the tiny grassland earless dragon receives a huge amount of love both from the ecology and broader community.
The quest is now on to discover the best way to monitor the species and manage the habitat for both the Canberra (Tympanocryptis lineata) and Monaro (Tympanocryptis osbornei) grassland earless dragon.
What is a grassland earless dragon?
Grassland earless dragons are tiny, measuring up to 16 cm long when you include their tail. They have 3 lines running down their back with a brown blotchy pattern on their skin. This provides good camouflage within their grassy habitat. They love to eat all sorts of bugs and insects, including ants, small spiders, grasshoppers, moths and beetles.
Grassland earless dragons like to use wolf spider holes and similar burrows for shelter. Contrary to what the name suggests, they aren’t earless, but just lack external ear openings.
Read on for more information on both the Canberra and Monaro grassland earless dragon, the little whip snake, the golden sun moth, and managing the grasslands of the Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales, where these amazing creatures live.