Launch of new project to save native crayfish

Buglife have launched a new conservation project which aims to work with the aggregates extraction industry to save the UK’s largest freshwater invertebrate – the White-clawed crayfish.

9 January 2009

The White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes ) is our only native crayfish. It was once a widespread and common species in English rivers, but has suffered severe declines. Many populations of White-clawed crayfish have been lost already and most of those remaining in streams and rivers are at risk of loss in future. The decline has been caused by non-native invasive crayfish species such as the American Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus ), the spread of a disease known as crayfish plague, habitat degradation and pollution.

White-clawed crayfish ( Austropotamobius pallipes) © John Mason

The White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is a globally threatened species which is a conservation priority in Europe and the UK, and has been identified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. The White-clawed crayfish is the UK’s largest freshwater invertebrate and is our only native crayfish species. Adult White-clawed crayfish can grow to around 12cm long. They can live for more than 10 years, and usually reach sexual maturity after three to four years. White-clawed crayfish are omnivorous but the bulk of their diet is made up of other, smaller, invertebrates. They are a key-stone species of rivers and streams, indicating good environmental quality, and are food for larger animals such as otters.

White-clawed crayfish are urgently in need of isolated new refuge sites (known as “ark sites”) where new populations can be established , safe from non-native crayfish and the disease carried by American species. This is where there is a role for the extraction industries.

Aggregate and mineral extraction sites such as quarries and gravel pits both old and new can offer excellent opportunities to safeguard White-clawed crayfish populations. These quarries often fill with water when operations cease - creating new waterbodies with enormous potential for wildlife. Setting up ark sites can be straightforward and inexpensive, and can provide a sustainable future for the White-clawed crayfish in the UK. With support from aggregates and minerals operators we can help white-clawed crayfish survive for the future.

For further information about this project please click here

This project is part of Buglife’s ‘Bringing Aggregate Sites to Life’ programme, and is supported by Natural England through Defra’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.

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