Name of Project: Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) – Threat Mitigation and Soil Hydrology
Funded by: Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program
Partners: Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, BCLN, Invert-Eco Terrestrial Invertebrate Consulting, Oates Environmental Consulting, Drift Media, and Water Technology
Timeframe: 18 months (2024–2025)
Project Manager: Cassie Wright
Project Summary
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) – Threat Mitigation and Soil Hydrology project aimed to better understand GGE habitat needs and trial practical conservation measures across four properties in South Gippsland.
The project involved on-ground conservation works to protect GGE colonies, a community education component, and a pilot study focused on soil hydrology around known GGE sites.
On-ground activities included fencing to exclude livestock, targeted weed control, and preparation for limited revegetation. Unlike typical revegetation efforts, plantings near GGE colonies were carefully designed and placed on the periphery. Selected species were chosen to avoid altering soil moisture levels critical to the worms’ survival.
Participating landholders received financial support to undertake these works, which not only contribute to the conservation of a nationally threatened species but also enhance habitat quality across the Strzelecki Ranges.
Long-term monitoring probes were installed within and around GGE colonies to measure changes in soil moisture, temperature, and oxygen levels throughout the seasons. Benchmark probes were also installed in control sites where GGE are not known to be present, providing a comparison.
In June 2025, Dr Michael Aberton from Water Technology presented preliminary results of the hydrology study at a public field day in Arawata. GGE expert Dr Beverley Van Praagh delivered an engaging presentation about the species, and participants had the unique opportunity to visit a private property to observe GGE habitat and even listen for telltale gurgling sounds produced by the worms moving through their burrows.
During the project, the SGLN project team also hosted a visit from representatives of the Federal Government’s funding body. The group toured a project site, met with a participating landholder, viewed the installed monitoring equipment, and were fortunate to see a rare GGE cocoon.
See below for resources relating to this project.
For more information, please visit www.giantearthworm.org.au.
Project Gallery
Project Resources
More information on GGE’s from previous projects:
To raise awareness, project partner BCLN produced a video showcasing how farmer Burke Brandon’s regenerative agriculture practices align with the protection of GGE colonies on his property:
