Seventeen lucky participants spent the morning of Saturday November 4 rambling through the secluded gullies of the Hoddle Flora Conservation Reserve with ecologist Peter and art tutor Melina.
Participants were on the hunt for the rarer species of burrowing crayfish, which can be found in the clear creeks of the Reserve.
"There are about eight species of burrowing crayfish in South Gippsland and they build little mud chimneys in low lying areas; you may have noticed some in your backyard," Peter said.
He explained there is still a lot of research work to be done on these animals which are hidden underground most of the time, with some species yet to be fully described.
"I am currently collaborating with Federation Uni to set up an eDNA data base so we can identify the crayfish species through the DNA they shed into waterways,” Peter said.
"eDNA monitoring is already being used to check for the presence of other shy creatures like platypus."
“Peter showed us how he captures crayfish using Norrocky tubes and it was fun to share the excitement of checking the tubes for crayfish,” participant Anda Banikos of Prom Coast Ecolink said.
The Norrocky approach consists of a one-way trap door placed over the burrow entrance of a crayfish.
Peter's son Fred proved an able assistant and a mine of information on native animals.
After the excitement of the crayfish find, Peter and Fred went further upstream to continue their research and the rest of the group settled under the arching tree ferns to soak up the natural beauty and make notes and sketches in their journals.
“Melina had a lovely store of art materials to choose from and prompt cards for anyone with ‘journaling block’,” Anda enthused.
The sound of the creek and birdsong became the soundscape accompanying the journaling.
“All too soon, it was time to wend our way back to civilisation with a store of beautiful memories of this magic place,” Anda said.
“Thank you to Lindsay Williams for access over his property and to Parks Vic for their collaboration and support through their Volunteering Innovation Fund.”
Prom Coast Ecolink is running a biodiversity walk in the Hoddle Foothills this Sunday November 12. Register at promcoastecolink.org/events/biodiversity-walk-in-hoddle-foothills-
