Tiny Victorian Grassland Earless Dragons have emerged from their eggs at Melbourne Zoo – the hatchlings are the result of a world first breeding program that could save the species from extinction.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos visited Melbourne Zoo today to welcome 26 hatchlings to the world, with more expected to hatch in the coming weeks.

These dragons are part of the first successful breeding program for the species which is made up of 16 male and 13 female dragons that were collected from the wild after their rediscovery earlier this year.

The new hatchlings are kept in climate-controlled conditions and cared for by a specialist keeper at the zoo before eventually being released back into their natural habitat.

The hatchling nursery and keeper were funded through a $246,000 donation from American breakthrough genetic engineering and de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences.

The Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon is listed as Critically Endangered in Victoria and nationally. Before its rediscovery earlier this year, the species had not been seen for more than 50 years and was widely believed to be extinct. The recovery, breeding and protection of the dragon is essential to the survival of the species.

Other conservation efforts currently underway include development of a conservation plan, undertaking surveys in a bid to find new habitat and more populations, and genetics research to support further discoveries.

The Albanese and Allan Governments have invested $188,000 towards specially trained detection dogs to sniff out more populations of the dragon.

Conservation efforts for this species are a collaboration between Zoos Victoria, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action,Museums Victoria, Wildlife Profiles Pty Lt and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation.