Our mission is to protect, connect and restore the habitat of the giant freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi) in northern Tasmania.

• Protect habitat for the giant freshwater crayfish on private land.

• Connect stream-side reserves to create continuous wildlife corridors.

• Restore degraded stream-side habitat.

What does lutaralipina mean?

Lutaralipina is the Tasmanian Aboriginal name for the giant freshwater crayfish.  We have permission from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) to use this palawa kani word. It is pronounced lu-tah-rah-lee-pee-na. This is how it should sound.

Lutaralipina pronunciation. Annie Reynolds Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre

Haven’t I seen a different Aboriginal name for giant freshwater crayfish?

Yes, in the past “tayatea” was reported to be the Aboriginal name for the giant freshwater crayfish. Initially, we were going to call ourselves Tayatea. However, when we asked the TAC for permission to use this word, they set us straight.  Tayatea is not an Aboriginal word in itself, but simply a spelling by a European observer attempting to reproduce the unfamiliar sounds of Aboriginal languages. It also is more likely a representation of a word used for the smaller eastern species of freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis franklinii).

Thanks to Annie Reynolds from the TAC palawa kani Language Program for providing this information.

Why have we started Lutaralipina?

We are working to establish nature reserves on private land in NW Tasmania, specifically to protect the habitat of the giant freshwater crayfish, but our activities will help other threatened animals and plant communities. Habitat protection and improvement is critical to reducing species loss and maintaining biodiversity. Habitat protection on private land is a key recommendation of the the Recovery Plan for the Giant Freshwater Crayfish. We strongly believe that this is where partnerships between private land holders and conservation organisations can make a real difference in protecting this iconic species.