I

n the early 1990s, large dust clouds rolled in over the urban
areas of this sprawling continent, their presence triggering
much-needed conversations about how best to manage our
soils. The diversity of biota dwelling underground, both within
the soil and on its surface, has become increasingly recognised
in recent years. Modern molecular techniques have enabled
researchers to tease apart complex microbial communities and
understand the soil processes they control (see ‘Hidden Diversity’
on p. 14 of WAM Vol 54 No. 2). However, much more attention
still needs to be paid to Australian soil invertebrates such as
earthworms, millipedes, centipedes, molluscs, spiders and insects.

Underground invasion

Decomposition of organic matter, control of soil structure, water
infiltration and aeration are surface or subterranean processes
provided by soil fauna that help plant communities, including
weeds, thrive above ground. Not all influences from soil fauna

are positive. Many soil invertebrates in Australia are accidentally

introduced species. We need to know which species help and

which hinder desirable soil processes. A few decades ago,

researchers who studied soil organisms had little idea which

earthworm species predominated in Australian agricultural,

urban or native soils. The increased concern for soil conservation

in the nineties brought with it an interest in earthworm biology

at a time when the benefits (or otherwise) that earthworms bring

to Australian landscapes were virtually unstudied.

A few taxonomists have worked diligently in past years to

identify many native earthworm species, discovering that their

distributions are much broader than expected in this arid

continent, but most endemic earthworm species probably still

remain undescribed. One native species, the giant Gippsland

earthworm (Megascolides australis), has, however, achieved

notoriety, largely because of its immense size, rarity, and

protected status.

It was July 1992. Paul Keating was the prime minister. The Mabo decision had recently ruled in favour

of Aboriginal land rights. Kriss Kross’s ‘Jump’ was on the radio, and all around the nation, Aussie kids

were catching worms! Not the intestinal kind, which necessitates a trip to the chemist, but earthworms

• handfuls of them – in one of Australia’s first citizen science projects. Dr Geoff Baker from the CSIRO

takes a retrospective look at ‘Earthworms Downunder’ and how similar projects are helping researchers

study invasive Portuguese millipedes today. Whether for a species with lots of legs or none, many hands

can make understanding our secretive, under-rated invertebrate biota much lighter work.

CITIZEN

SCIENCE THAT

SQUIRMS

THE OTHER 99%

Photo: Donald Hobern

Wildlife Australia | 11