These are described as ‘type 2’ burrows by Horwitz and Richardson (1986) which refers to burrows that are connected to the water table and the water is derived from ground water and surface run-off. Life history and ecology Most burrowing crayfish are small, solitary animals, although some species occupy the same Action Statementburrow system during breeding and may share the burrow with their offspring for some time. They Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988generally feed on plant material such No. as roots 153 and Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus mallacoota Description and Distribution The Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus mallacoota Horwitz is a member of the Parastacidae (Decapoda) family. The genus Engaeus is restricted to south-eastern Australia, with 34 species recognised (Horwitz 1990a). The Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish was discovered in 1990 (Horwitz 1990a,b). In common with most other burrowing crayfish, E. mallacoota is cryptic and small with adults having a carapace length of approximately 20 mm (Horwitz 1990a). Specimens are inter-sexed, and secondary sexual characteristics may be present in reproductively active females. Large dimorphic chelae (to be defined) are present in adults. A full taxonomic description is given by Horwitz (1990a). Distribution in Victoria (DSE 2004) The Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish is currently known from only two sites on the Western region of Mallacoota Inlet along the Double Creek Nature trail in Croajingolong National Park, in East These are described as ‘type 2’ burrows by Horwitz Gippsland. and Richardson (1986) which refers to burrows that are connected to the water table and the water Habitat is derived from ground water and surface run-off. The Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish is predominantly a burrower, spending most of its Life history and ecology life underground. The burrows of the Mallacoota Most burrowing crayfish are small, solitary Burrowing Crayfish have been found on steep, animals, although some species occupy the same clear banks (free of vegetation) in silty and sandy burrow system during breeding and may share the soil in an area of warm temperate rainforest burrow with their offspring for some time. They (Horwitz 1990a). The burrows were very complex generally feed on plant material such as roots and in structure, descending into the bank at oblique decomposing leaves, rotting logs and small angles, branching frequently to some depth. Large, invertebrates (Lake & Newcombe 1975, Suter & pelleted chimneys surrounded each burrow Richardson 1977, Growns & Richardson 1988). opening. Burrows were filled with water at the level The burrows of some species include blind, root- of the creek but no connections to the creek were lined ‘feeding’ chambers (Growns & Richardson observed. 1988). Life histories of only a few burrowing crayfish are Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production (NRE available. Breeding usually occurs over spring and 1996a). summer. Males come to the surface during late However, if surveys proposed in this Action spring and early summer in search of mates. Males Statement confirm the presence of Mallacoota enter burrows of females to mate during early Burrowing Crayfish within or adjacent to State summer, and the female carries clusters of eggs forest, DSE will review the extent of timber under the abdomen throughout summer. By harvesting and the potential impacts on this February juveniles have hatched and become species and its habitat, and will, if necessary, independent but may remain in the maternal implement further measures to minimise these burrow for some time. impacts. While the life span of most species is unknown, At present, recreational fishing is allowed in estimates of up to 10 years have been made for Croajingolong National Park and it is not known Parastocoides tasmanicus tasmanicus Clark (Hamr whether harvesting of crayfish as food or bait is & Richardson 1994). occurring. Conservation status The potential range of this species also includes areas of private land which is grazed by cattle. This may also lead to impacts such as trampling, National conservation status erosion and sedimentation of habitat. Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish has not been listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Previous Management Action Horwitz (pers. comm.) has surveyed extensively throughout Victoria for all Engaeus species. Victorian conservation status The Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish has been listed The Management Plan for Croajingolong National as a threatened taxon under the Flora and Fauna Park incorporates management strategies for rivers Guarantee Act 1988. and catchments within the Park. A plan for Double Creek Natural Catchment Area is being prepared. Decline and threats ‘Degradation of native riparian vegetation along In a study of the requirements of rare and Victorian rivers and streams’ (SAC 1996) is listed threatened burrowing crayfish in Tasmania, Doran as a potentially threatening process under the and Richards (1996) found that the primary Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. consideration in the management of Engaeus The Thurra River is designated a Representative species appears to be related to the level of River, characteristic of the eastern Victorian available moisture, soil type and degree of dissected uplands and River plains and the disturbance to which they are subject. catchment of the Benedore River is declared a Invertebrates, which have limited distributions, ‘Scientific Reference Segment’ under the State such as many species of Engaeus are particularly Environment Protection Policy – waters of East vulnerable to localised environmental Gippsland (NRE 1996b). These rivers occur within perturbations (Williams 1990). Localised the potential range of the Mallacoota Burrowing catastrophic events, such as an extended drought, Crayfish and may confer additional habitat fire or large sediment pulse could drastically effect protection for the species. populations of the Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish. The East Gippsland Forest Management Area Plan The distribution and abundance of the Mallacoota includes a specific conservation guideline for this Burrowing Crayfish is not well known and based species. on records from two localities. While these localities occur within Croajingolong National Park, Conservation Objectives Horwitz (1990b) states that suitable habitat may exist in a north-east direction. Long-term objective Although National Parks are generally less To ensure that the Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish modified than other areas, they can still contain survives, flourishes and retains its potential for point sources of pollutants and may be subject to evolutionary development in the wild. the effects of management practices elsewhere in the catchment (Merrick 1995). The potential threat posed by elevated sedimentation and turbidity Objectives of this Action Statement within Croajingolong National Park as a result of 1. Determine the distribution and abundance of timber harvesting in adjacent State forest is the Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish generally managed through the application of the 2 2. Protect the riparian habitat of the known Private land populations of Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish 6. Provide landholders with information and advice regarding measures to protect 3. Improve the understanding of the biology and Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish if surveys ecology of the Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish confirm the presence of this species on or near as the basis for future management private land. Intended Management Action Responsibility: DSE (Gippsland Region) The intended management actions listed below are Monitoring known populations further elaborated in DSE’s Actions for Biodiversity Conservation database. Detailed information 7. Monitor annually at two of the known about the actions and locations, including populations of Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish, priorities, is held in this system and will be in order to gather information about the provided annually to land managers and other ecology of the species (Gippsland Region). authorities. Responsibility: DSE (Biodiversity & Natural Resources Division, Gippsland Region). Systematic surveys Research 1. Survey the stream-sides in those catchments most likely to contain populations of the 8. Encourage research into the biology and Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish both within ecology of the Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish Croajingolong National Park and areas to the Priorities for research include: north-east. Surveys will concentrate on • Determining the number, size and geographic streams within the Double Creek Natural distribution of the Mallacoota Burrowing Catchment Area and Genoa Creek. Crayfish populations; Responsibility: DSE (Biodiversity & Natural • The long term life history, biology and Resources Division, Gippsland Region) ecological requirements for the species; • Identification of critical habitat including soil Habitat protection types, vegetation requirements, hydrological General parameters and catchment-based 2. Incorporate actions to protect Mallacoota characteristics; Burrowing Crayfish into the East Gippsland Responsibility: DSE (Biodiversity & Natural Regional Catchment Strategy. Resources Division) Responsibility: DSE (Gippsland Region), East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Staff awareness 3. Provide information and advice, including 9. Ensure that all relevant staff of the maps of habitat, to local government Department of Sustainability and Environment authorities for inclusion