A tiny species of crayfish has been discovered in the swamps and creeks of coastal New South Wales, Australia, in one of the fastest growing areas of the country. Having very specific habitat requirements, the new species must be protected from any further coastal developments.
The newly described species has been scientifically named Gramastacus lacus, the common name is the eastern swamp crayfish. The eastern swamp crayfish is a small freshwater species that reaches a maximum weight of 7 grams and 21.3 mm in length.
The crayfish play a critical role in maintaining the structure of the whole ecological community, their prosperity and abundance directly affecting the health and abundance of numerous other species
The species is found in lowland ephemeral habitats surrounding coastal lakes and lagoons in the Port Stephens region. Being dependent on regular natural flooding and drying cycles, only lowland, swampy areas are suitable. Each crayfish digs a small rounded cross-section burrow up to 1 m deep into the water table in order to survive the drying cycle.
The eastern swamp crayfish is found in one of Australia’s fastest developing regions, which means much of their habitat has already been lost. These ephemeral areas are the first to be drained or reclaimed to make way for agriculture, industry, housing developments and infrastructure.
Please sign the petition to demand that the eastern swamp crayfish is protected from any future coastal developments.
