Discovery of endangered speciesnear Ballan

AN endangered type of crayfish has been found in the Ballan area.

Significant effort has been made to identify the discovered specimens as western burrowing crayfish (Engaeus merosetosus).

The two crayfish were found along the Werribee River.

According to a Victorian government fact sheet, the crayfish spend most of their time underground, and freshly excavated soil around burrows is the most obvious sign of their existence.

This all eventuated from a discovery in late 2025.

In a statement, the Moorabool Environment Group (MEG) said one of its members found a cluster of small burrows along the river.

This led to field work, where aquatic scientists captured the crayfish about 1.2 metres under the ground.

The specimens were then carefully taken to the state experts on burrowing crayfish located at the Arthur Rylah Institute in Heidelberg.

“Burrowing crayfish are notoriously difficult to identify,” the group said in a statement.

“Picking the correct species relies on numerous small differences such as hairs under the tail.”

The species is listed as endangered under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). MEG stated the nearest known populations were in Ballarat and the Otways.

“Samples from the two crayfish were also sent for genetic analysis,” the group stated.

“These samples provided DNA sequences which will allow scientists in the future to identify the location of western burrowing crayfish by sampling water in the burrow entrance or from the adjoining watercourse.

“The discovery of the western burrowing crayfish highlights the importance of the Werribee River and its floodplain upstream of Ballan.”

The group is planning to use the discovery of the endangered species to raise the river’s profile with Ballan schools.