Critically endangered reptile gets Colossal helping hand
USA breakthrough genetic engineering and de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences is lending its support to the recovery of the recently rediscovered Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon.
Zoos Victoria has established an interim insurance and conservation breeding centre at Melbourne Zoo for the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla), a critically endangered reptile considered to be likely extinct for the past 54 years.
A strategic partnership between Colossal and Zoos Victoria includes funding for the fit out of the interim quarantined breeding center, which will enable collaboration with partners such as Museums Victoria in sequencing the genome of the “lost” dragons and mapping the genetic relatedness of the remaining individuals.
The interim centre provides space for a quarter of the required number of dragons needed for breeding and reintroduction to ensure survival for eventual reintroduction into the wild.
Led by Colossal’s Chief Animal Officer, Matt James, and Zoos Victoria’s General Manager of Threatened Species, Garry Peterson, the partnership aims to support work by the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon Recovery Team, comprising expertise from the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program Resilient Landscapes Hub (NESP RLH), Museums Victoria, Wildlife Profiles Pty Ltd, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation and Zoos Victoria. The team is working on conserving and growing the dragon’s remaining population while its wild habitat is restored and protected.
Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm said saving critically endangered species is at the core of their mission.
“Our focus includes the de-extinction of select lost species, the preservation of endangered species, and the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity,” Mr Lamm said. “We are really excited about helping to establish the means to create an insurance and conservation breeding program, centered around genetic rescue for the once feared-lost earless dragon.
Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray said Zoos Victoria is committed to rescuing this iconic, once thought likely extinct species and securing its long-term future.
“Our partnership with Colossal reflects a holistic approach to conservation, combining traditional methods of breeding and care with cutting-edge scientific genetic rescue and bio banking techniques. It's a great example of how different sectors can collaborate to address the urgent need for species preservation and ecosystem restoration.”