Critically endangered monitor lizards which are rarely seen in the wild are now on public display for the first time at an Austrian zoo.

These earless monitor lizards, which resemble miniature dragons, were previously kept behind the scenes in the zoo's rainforest house, where they were successfully bred.

They are characterised by the absence of visible ear openings, which is the origin of their name. However, the animals are still capable of hearing.

Native to the rainforests of Borneo, these elusive reptiles are typically found near clear, flowing water with rocky bottoms, but sightings in the wild are extremely rare.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as critically endangered, as they face serious threats from habitat destruction.

Managers at the Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna said they are actively working to protect the species through conservation breeding and by participating in the global 'Reverse the Red' initiative, which focuses on halting species decline worldwide.

Zoological curator Anton Weissenbacher said: 'By breeding them regularly, we are helping to establish reserve populations and preserve the species.'

The zoo has also created a special terrarium for the lizards, allowing visitors a rare chance to see these fascinating creatures up close.

As their rainforest habitats continue to disappear due to human activities, such as the expansion of oil palm plantations and rice fields, conservationists emphasise the need for immediate action to protect these unique reptiles.

Weissenbacher added: 'Every individual can contribute to species conservation.'