| Red
Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarki)
Have you
seen this creature in your local streams and ponds? The red
swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarki) is a predator and scavenger
with potentially devastating impacts on native amphibian,
fish, and invertebrate populations. Like many introduced animals,
the red swamp crayfish has no local predators to keep them
in check, allowing them to proliferate. Recent studies conducted
in the Santa Monica Mountains have linked crayfish to the
decline of some of our local amphibians such as the California
coastal range newt.
Once introduced into our aquatic habitats, red swamp crayfish
are very difficult to eradicate. Crayfish are able to burrow
down three feet into the mud when water levels are low and
are capable of moving on land to find nearby pools. Crayfish
are excellent parents, caring for the eggs and young until
they have grown to a sufficient size to venture out on their
own. It takes less than one year for a crayfish to reach full
reproductive maturity.
How do these lobster-like creatures make it into our lakes
and streams? Unfortunately, we introduce them. Crayfish are
popular bait for bass fishermen. They are sold in many fish
and tackle shops and are stocked in local lakes as a food
source for game fish like large mouth bass and bluegill. However,
the problem is not just the local fisherman. The way we live
also provides habitat for these creatures. A naturally dry
creek is not ideal habitat for a crayfish. By over-watering
our lawns and hosing down our streets, we provide the excess
flows that crayfish need to survive. Do you have water flowing
through your nearby creeks? If you do, crayfish may already
be there. Crayfish can be so prolific that you may find fifty
of them sitting at the bottom of a deep pool.
The invasive crayfish is just one example of our potential
impact on local creeks and streams. Introducing anything into
an environment that does not belong there, including pet goldfish
and turtles, excess water, pesticides and fertilizers, effects
the local plant and animal species that live there.
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