A pair of Missouri crayfish species were recently granted Endangered Species Act protection, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Big Creek crayfish and the St. Francis River crayfish have been declining in population due to competition with an invasive woodland crawfish species, as well as pollution from southeast Missouri mining.
“These crayfish are clinging to survival in contaminated streams, but protection under the Endangered Species Act gives them a fighting chance,” said Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “By protecting the river habitats of these crayfish, we’re also safeguarding drinking water and creating a healthier future for humans.