Summary

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is one of the largest worms in the world. On average they are 80 to 100 cm long and weigh 200 g. They only occur in a very small area, approximately 1,000 km2, in the western Strzelecki Ranges of south and west Gippsland, Victoria. Their distribution within this range is very patchy and they are only known from about five locations as they only live in specific soil types along watercourses. They live in complex burrow systems up to 1.5 m below the surface and feed on roots and organic matter in the soil. Lifespans are unknown but they may be long-lived, with maturity thought to occur around 4-5 years.

Numbers of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm are small but exactly how many remain in the wild is not known. Their restricted range and habitat means they are threatened by habitat degradation caused by agriculture, as well as by pesticides and herbicides. They are listed as Endangered on the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act's Threatened List and also considered Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Specimen Details

Taxonomy