Giant Gippsland Earthworm

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) is a threatened species, unique to a small area of South and West Gippsland. The vast majority of its habitat occurs under pasture on privately owned land used for farming. Therefore, conservation of this species relies on the community to manage GGE habitat on their farms. Revegetation of farms with indigenous species is encouraged (e.g. One million trees for South Gippsland project) to provide shelter for stock, habitat for native animals and improve stream health. However, in order to protect Giant Gippsland Earthworms, it is important that they are considered during the planning phase of revegetation projects and the planting designs modified accordingly. All GGE colonies require very specific soil moisture conditions to survive. Revegetation of habitat occupied by worms alters these conditions by drying out soils making them no longer suitable for colonies. This can result in the local extinction of colonies. The Triholm Landcare Group has received a Caring For Our Country Program - Community Landcare Grant to undertake an 18 month project titled - “Building capability to Manage Giant Gippsland Earthworm Habitat on farms”. This project will work with farmers in South and West Gippsland to trial innovative revegetation designs that help protect the soil moisture of GGE habitat by mitigating the negative effects of lowered groundwater levels under revegetation sites. Revegetation works will be undertaken and maintained by participating landowners and function as demonstration sites for future revegetation in the region. This website will detail the progress and outcomes from this project and include information and resources to help the community identify and manage Giant Gippsland Earthworm habitat on their properties. By working together, we can all help improve the long-term conservation outcome for this magnificant gentle giant.
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm Project is supported by the South Gippsland Landcare Network, Dairy Australia, GippsDairy and DELWP.
Click to enlarge
Website by VP-IT
All photographs © Dr. Beverley Van Praagh, Invert-Eco unless otherwise stated. No image may be saved, copied, reproduced or distributed without prior permission from the copyright owner.

Caring For Our Country 2013-2015 Project Profile

Caring For Our Country South Gippsland Landcare Network Dairy Australia, GippsDairy
For general information regarding these partner organisations, please refer to the following websites:

Giant Gippsland Earthworm

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) is a threatened species, unique to a small area of South and West Gippsland. The vast majority of its habitat occurs under pasture on privately owned land used for farming. Therefore, conservation of this species relies on the community to manage GGE habitat on their farms. Revegetation of farms with indigenous species is encouraged (e.g. One million trees for South Gippsland project) to provide shelter for stock, habitat for native animals and improve stream health. However, in order to protect Giant Gippsland Earthworms, it is important that they are considered during the planning phase of revegetation projects and the planting designs modified accordingly. All GGE colonies require very specific soil moisture conditions to survive. Revegetation of habitat occupied by worms alters these conditions by drying out soils making them no longer suitable for colonies. This can result in the local extinction of colonies. The Triholm Landcare Group has received a Caring For Our Country Program - Community Landcare Grant to undertake an 18 month project titled - “Building capability to Manage Giant Gippsland Earthworm Habitat on farms”. This project will work with farmers in South and West Gippsland to trial innovative revegetation designs that help protect the soil moisture of GGE habitat by mitigating the negative effects of lowered groundwater levels under revegetation sites. Revegetation works will be undertaken and maintained by participating landowners and function as demonstration sites for future revegetation in the region. This website will detail the progress and outcomes from this project and include information and resources to help the community identify and manage Giant Gippsland Earthworm habitat on their properties. By working together, we can all help improve the long-term conservation outcome for this magnificant gentle giant.
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm Project is supported by the South Gippsland Landcare Network, Dairy Australia, GippsDairy and DELWP.
Click to enlarge

Caring For Our Country 2013-2015

Project Profile

All photographs © Dr. Beverley Van Praagh, Invert-Eco unless otherwise stated. No image may be saved, copied, reproduced or distributed without prior permission from the copyright owner.
Website by VP-IT
Caring For Our Country South Gippsland Landcare Network Dairy Australia, GippsDairy
Researchers rescue GGE from flooding
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