A British peer-reviewed journal publishing company has named an endangered species of reptile after local bush naturalist and Bathurst Living Legend Ian McArtney.
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Mr McArtney has been honoured in the scientific naming of the Bathurst Grassland Dragon: tympanocryptus mcartneyi.
The species of reptile was first discovered by Mr McArtney 70 years ago while flying a kite at George Park.
"When I got serious about documenting reptile findings years later, I put together a research paper in 1968 to send to the Australian Museum in Sydney," he said.
"In those days, textbooks were scarce, so I'd make sure to collect all my findings to assist with further research."
A deceased Bathurst Grassland Dragon was found on the slopes of Mount Panorama in 1988 and handed to local herpetologist Gavin Waters, who presented the specimen to Museums Victoria for further research.
Charles Sturt University adjunct professor David Goldney said it was fantastic to see the efforts of two proud Wiradyuri men recognised on the world stage.
"It's a time to celebrate, but it's also a time to reflect on the significant toll Europeans have inflicted on native animals," Mr Goldney said.
"We have more endangered species in the Central West than anywhere else in Australia."