Alteration of the water table and natural drainage patterns, exacerbated by climate change, is one of the most serious threats to Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) populations, yet is poorly understood.

Surprisingly little is known about soil and hydrological parameters for suitable habitat and the threshold for GGE tolerance to hydrological change. This project could reveal vital information on soil hydrology and GGE survival in the long-term.

In 2024, GTSAG was awarded a grant from the Federal Government’s Saving Native Species (Priority Species) Program to increase knowledge of colony locations and habitat requirements. It will also share knowledge with landholders on appropriate land management to protect colonies and increase our knowledge of soil hydrology requirements for GGE.

This project is being undertaken with Water Technology hydrogeologists who are conducting a pilot study to accurately measure soil moisture, temperature and oxygen levels in thriving GGE colonies in comparison to adjacent habitats not supporting GGE. Hydrological changes in the water table and ground water profile will be monitored over the life of this project and beyond. GTSAG has also been running community field days to raise awarness of this work.