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Join EIANZ in collaboration with the Ecological Consultants of Victoria invite you to this webinar on the thought to be extinct Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon (VGED).

About the event

Once thought to be extinct, the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon (VGED) remained hidden for more than half a century, despite repeated searches. Once common in the native grasslands north and west of Melbourne, its decline was driven by habitat loss, alteration, and predation.

In 2023, the species was dramatically rediscovered, sparking renewed interest and urgent conservation action. Since then, policy shifts, a revised recovery plan, distribution modelling, and survey guidance have reshaped how consultants, ecologists, and developers approach grassland assessments. Yet many questions remain — particularly around habitat identification and effective survey methods for this cryptic species.

Join us for this timely webinar, where two experts will share their insights:

Emi Arnold, Ecologist at WSP Australia and one of the original rediscoverers of the VGED, will explore the impacts on the consulting industry — from the rediscovery moment and immediate regulatory implications to ongoing uncertainties and the practical realities for ecologists in the field.

Garry Peterson, General Manager, Threatened Species at Zoos Victoria and Chair of the VGED National Recovery Team, will outline recovery progress and challenges.

Whether you’re an ecological consultant, planner, or simply interested in threatened species recovery, this webinar will deepen your understanding of the complexities, current advice, and limitations shaping VGED conservation today.

This event will run off Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and will run for 1 hour. The webinar will be recorded and a link to the webinar will be sent to all registered attendees in the days after the webinar.

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