A Census of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm in South and West Gippsland

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* 1. Have you heard about the Giant Gippsland Earthworm (the earthworm)?

Yes

Unsure

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* 2. Is there evidence the earthworm is present on your property? If you are uncertain, there is a short video you can watch that will help you identify the habitat of the earthworm at this website: www.giantearthworm.org.au

Yes

Unsure

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* 3. What is your address? This answer is important to us because knowing where earthworm habitats do not exist is just as important as knowing where earthworm habitats do exist.

If you answered 'no' or 'unsure' to question 2, you can now exit the survey.

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* 4. What is the evidence the earthworm is present on your property? (Tick all that apply)

I have been told they are on my property

I have seen or heard evidence of their presence, eg. egg cocoons, gurgling noises

Other (please specify)

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* 5. How long have you known there are earthworms on your property?

Less than 12 months

1-10 years

11-20 years

20 years or more

Can't remember

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* 6. Where is the earthworm located on your property? (Tick all that apply)

Not sure / cannot remember

In a revegetated area

Near a stream, creek bank, drainage channel or gully

On landslips

On south facing slope/s

On west facing slope/s

Other (please specify)

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* 7. How did you find the earthworm on your property? (Tick all that apply)

Not sure / cannot remember

Walking around the property I heard / found evidence of their presence

Whilst undertaking construction work for a new fence, road, track, path or dam etc

Whilst ploughing a paddock / planting trees

Other (please specify)

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* 8. How many individual earthworm colonies (or areas) are on your property?

1 - 2

3 - 4

5 - 9

10+

Not sure

Comment

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* 9. When did you last see or hear evidence of the earthworm on your property?

In the last 6 months

In the last 12 months

A few years ago

Can't remember

Comment

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* 10. Do you think the presence of earthworms has increased or decreased during the time you have lived, owned or worked on your property?

Increased

Decreased

Unchanged

Unsure

Can you please tell us why you think this? For example, have there been more sightings of earthworms on your property in the past, is your property drier or wetter than it used to be etc.

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* 11. Did you or to your knowledge a spouse or relative respond to a survey by Museum Victoria about the earthworm conducted in 1980?

Yes

Unsure

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* 12. What is your property primarily used for? (Tick all that apply)

Livestock e.g. dairy, beef, sheep, poultry, eggs, goats

Fruit, nuts, vegetables

Horticulture, plantation, nursery

Residential

Other (please specify)

A critical aspect of this research project is to identify exact locations of earthworm habitats.
If you have indicated evidence of earthworms on your property, would you please report their exact locations by downloading the GGE Census app on your phone at no charge?
To do this, search 'Giant Gippsland Earthworm' in the Apple or Android app store - select the image with the cartoon worm, then follow the instructions.

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* 13. Have or are you going to report the exact locations of earthworms on your property on the GGE Census app?

Yes

Unsure

If not, can you please tell us why?

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* 14. So that we can link your responses to this survey with your recordings on the GGE Census app, would you please provide your email address?

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* 15. In the event our researchers may want to clarify any of your responses, would you please provide your name and phone number?

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* 16. If you would you like to receive a copy of the findings from this research project (expected completion 2026), please provide your email address.