National Recovery Plan for the Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis)
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment
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- National Recovery Plan for the Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) (PDF - 166 KB) | (RTF - 1,146 KB)
Summary
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is endemic to the western Strzeleki Ranges of south and west Gippsland, Victoria. Populations are generally restricted to small patches of suitable moist habitat, including creek banks, soaks, and wet south-facing hill slopes. The life history of the species, including long life span, low reproductive and recruitment rates, and low dispersal ability, make the fragmented populations susceptible to environmental disturbances and catastrophic events. Major threats include actions with cause changes to the local hydrology and both physical and chemical disturbances. The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
This is the first national Recovery Plan for the Giant Gippsland Earthworm. The plan details the species' distribution, habitat, threats and recovery actions necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
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