Endangered Species

Steve Sass

Endangered Species

This endangered Tawny Rock Dragon Ctenophorus decresii male was seen basking in a rocky outcrop in western NSW during field work for the recently approved Silverton Wind Farm. I like this photo as it provides a link between the dragon and one of the threats to known populations: Competition and habitat degradation by Feral Goats. Just behind this male are some goat scats (poo). In many areas, scats can completely fill the rock crevices that these dragons need for refuge and breeding.

For better viewing, click on view larger

Steve is the Principal Ecologist at EnviroKey, a specialist ecological consultancy that undertakes surveys, research and education programs across Australia.

Endangered Species belongs to the following groups:

Agamids - Dragons of the World, Art from the Workplace, Australian Bush ☼ (aspects of realistic views - ie N0 Abstracts or Macros please!), Australian Landmarks and Icons, Australian Travel Photography and Writing - 1 per 24hrs, Australian Wildlife, Endangered Species, Far West and Central NSW, Farms and Countryside, Herpetofauna of Australia, High Quality Animal Images - 1 Submission a Week, Nature's Wonders, New South Wales Photography, Reptiles and Rural NSW Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
Endangered Species by Steve Sass
Endangered Species by Steve Sass
  • GailD

    GailD

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these ‘in the flesh’. Colourful. Great shot Steven.

  • Steve Sass replied

    Pleasure to share…..thanks for taking a look!

  • Maximus

    Maximus

    Simply brilliant Steve, please keep educating us. :)

  • Steve Sass replied

    Thanks Max….......

  • Anne-Marie Ladegaard

    Anne-Marie Lad...

    What a beauty! Brilliant colouring on this beautiful creature – interesting about the feral goats posing a threat by their scats!!

  • Steve Sass replied

    Thanks so much for the comment

  • Noelene Davies

    Noelene Davies

    Fabulous capture Steven and very colourful. I have never seen one of these in the flesh. It’s a shame you have to see them in a photo.

  • Steve Sass replied

    Thanks for the comment Noelene. Well hopefully, the threats to these species can be removed!

  • Adam Gormley

    Adam Gormley

    Hi Steven, fabulous capture mate! I’m glad people are finally starting to wake up to what we are doing to these beautiful creatures habitat :)

  • Steve Sass replied

    thanks for the comment Adam!

  • debsphotos

    debsphotos

    Unreal shot Steven…he has stunning colours…shame about the goat poop!! *-=)

  • Steve Sass replied

    Thanks Deb, yes, it is! But, its a good educating photo!

  • Marilyn Harris

    Marilyn Harris

    Wow! He sure is a beauty!! Thanks for sharing!! :o)

  • Steve Sass replied

    Thanks Marilyn

  • kalaryder

    kalaryder

    Well seen. Great shot

  • Steve Sass replied

    cheers mate, thanks

  • coolart

    coolart

    He is lovely great camoflage nice colours

  • Steve Sass replied

    thanks very much

  • Phillip Weyers

    Phillip Weyers

    Wow… what a gorgeous animal. Feral goats, another menace to our unique fauna.

  • Steve Sass replied

    thanks Philip, yes, they are indeed, particularly around rocky areas

  • MrPJ

    MrPJ

    Steven,I have seen plenty of goat poop around boulders, never gave it a thought of the damage done.

  • Steve Sass replied

    Cheers mate, just another perspective next time you are walking around some rocks!

  • SharonD

    SharonD

    He blends in well Steven.

  • Steve Sass replied

    he does, thanks Sharon

  • Steven Pearce

    Steven Pearce

    Very nice Steve, you’ve also give a great background on the situation for this species good work! one for the album for sure!

  • Steve Sass replied

    Cheers Steve, your works are great! Will check out later today!

  • Louise Robinson

    Louise Robinson

    Great shot! I love the info you have provided. Very well done :)

  • Steve Sass replied

    thanks Louise!

  • PPV247

    PPV247

    Glad you are capturing all these species for future reference Steve. Hopefully my children won’t have to rely on just photography to see some of these reptiles.

  • Steve Sass replied

    thats the plan matey! Hopefully weve worked it out by now….........

  • tarnyacox

    tarnyacox

    Hey Steve, nice shot. My PhD may come in handy for this little critter soon – all things going to plan! I needed some extra motivation so thanks for the well timed post!

  • Steve Sass replied

    glad it helps! Anything to motivate you at this time wont be ignored I guess…...

  • Vicki Ferrari

    Vicki Ferrari

    Beautiful dragon and educational narrative! Thank you for sharing, it is good to know more about our environment! Ta Steven!

  • Steve Sass replied

    Thanks Vicki, appreciate your kind words

  • Trevor Needham

    Trevor Needham

    Never seen one of these. Great shot, Steven.

  • Steve Sass replied

    cheers Trevor, thanks for dropping in

  • Sharon Wormleaton

    Sharon Wormleaton

    Awwww….nice looking little guy. Great shot

  • Steve Sass replied

    cheers mate

  • Dave & Trena Puckett

    Dave & Trena P...

    Great shot! Blends in so well!

  • Steve Sass replied

    thanks Dave and Trena

  • Brandie1

    Brandie1

    Great capture,

  • Steve Sass replied

    thanks!

  • Hans Goepel

    Hans Goepel

    Wow very colourful Steven Fabulous capture !

  • Steve Sass replied

    cheers Hans, thanks

  • Rochelle Buckley

    Rochelle Buckley

    What an intriguing little creature, one I have never heard of or even seen before – thanks for sharing him with us :)

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