Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
Sandgropers – abritton (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Sandgropers – abritton (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Hollows in large trees and constructed nest boxes
Diet: Possibly roots, fungi, and other invertebrates
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Not determined
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Sandgropers are rarely seen within home gardens given their underground lifestyle. Often, the only tell-tale sign of their existence is the raised tunnel like burrow left behind in sandy soils. Providing suitable habitat in the garden will be a challenge as we do not know what they prefer.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
The biology of sandgropers is largely unknown with many questions unanswered. We do know they feed off the roots and stems of plants, but a preference is yet to be determined. Some evidence shows they may be omnivorous and may feed off the occasional insect. So, what makes a garden worthy of a sandgroper? Your guess is as good as ours!
Providing sources of water
Not required.
ReWild Benefits
There are too many unknowns on their ecological role within the landscape. They do not seem to have a detrimental impact on plant survival and may even help with soil health by turning over soil and providing aeration. If you do see a sandgroper, you can record your sighting on the Atlas of Living Australia.
