Australian Glow-worms - Managing an Important Biological Resource

Australian glow-worms are a unique resource for tourism in Australia and New Zealand, yet in Australia little information is available on the species present and their relative distributions. An understanding of Australia’s biologically distinct species will indicate the need for specific populations to have strategic management plans put in place for their future protection. To get to this stage, three basic questions must be answered: • Where are glow-worms found in Australia? • What species are they? • What likely threats can potentially impact on these colonies? This information is imperative for underpinning management decisions for the future protection of glow-worm populations in Australia. During this study, knowledge of glow-worm distribution in Australia has been largely increased to now include far north Queensland and many new sites through New South Wales and Victoria. Glow-worm populations were found in fragmented rainforest habitat and isolated wet cave systems. Molecular, reproductive and morphological findings indicate strong evidence for allopatric speciation (speciation due to geographic separation) between colonies and suggest up to six new species are present within Australia. Several colonies are noted for their small geographic range and therefore an increased need for protection.