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.
Email: info@giantearthworm.org.au
Caring For Our Country 2013-2015 Project Profile
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.
Email: info@giantearthworm.org.au
Website by VP-IT
Caring For Our Country 2013-2015
Project
• Project Profile • 2013 GGE Information Session & Field Day Report • GGE Field Day 2 Report • Slippery Slopes And Giant Earthworms Case Study • Planting for Giant Gippsland Earthworms Along Creeks Case Study • GGE Revegetation Demonstration Sites - 5 years on
