Giant Gippsland Earthworm flooded out of it's burrow

A Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) struggling on the surface after heavy rains flooded it's burrow system.



GGEs live entirely underground and don’t come to the surface so are rarely seen- unless you get some sort of flood event or a landslide that washes them out.



These worms move by expanding and contracting muscle segments against their burrow walls so they struggle to move well on the surface. They are really vulnerable to UV rays, drying out and predators if they remain on the surface for too long.

The worm was still alive so we rescued it and buried it near by, hopefully it survived the ordeal. We need every single one of the threatened worms.

Check out our website to find out more about Australia's famous Giant Earthworm   http://giantearthworm.org.au/