Potential impact of an introduced lumbricid on a native woodland in South Australia

Abstract

We tested the potential threat of the introduced earthworm Aporrectodea longa to eucalypt woodlands on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia by investigating: (1) whether A. longa could survive, grow and reproduce in soil from a woodland, (2) the effect of A. longa on the survival, growth and reproduction of a locally dominant, native earthworm, Gemascolex lateralis and (3) whether A. longa would move into woodland soil if it were given a choice between woodland and pasture soil. A. longa was able to survive and grow in woodland soil but did not reproduce. There were no significant negative effects of A. longa on the survival, growth or reproduction of G. lateralis. When given a choice between woodland and pasture soil, A. longa showed a preference for pasture soil. This suggests that A. longa is unlikely to threaten these woodland ecosystems because it would have no effect on the dominant earthworm species in the short term, would be unable to maintain a population in the woodland, and would be unlikely to colonise the woodland. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.