Black Creek crayfish
Procambarus pictus
Overall vulnerability:
This species was not assessed for vulnerability
Conservation status:
State ThreatenedGeneral Information
This mid-sized black crayfish with a dark red abdomen is endemic to a very narrow range in northeast Florida. They can be distinguished from other crayfish by the ten bumps found on their claws in the typical spot of hair-like feathers. Dead animals, plants and other organic matter form the bulk of this crustacean’s diet.
Habitat Requirements
The Black Creek crayfish inhabits tannic stained streams. These crayfish take refuge from open water under tree roots and in vegetation.
Habitats:
Climate Impacts
The highly restricted range of this species coupled with its fragile, freshwater habitat leaves the Black Creek crayfish vulnerable to a host of climate-related impacts. This species is threatened by loss of the wetland habitat on which it relies. Wetlands can dry up because of extensive drought and changes in the hydrological cycle triggered by climate change and are also at risk from encroaching human developed in the area, which is likely to accelerate with climate change. Sea level rise and salt water infiltration are also major threats. Because the range of this species is so small, severe storm events are also a special risk – the entire population could be at risk from one major hurricane in the area.
More information about general climate impacts to species in Florida.
Adaptation Strategies
- Conservation and restoration of existing wetland habitat is critical to increase habitat and species health and resilience at the onset of intensifying climate change.
- Monitoring population levels and hydrological conditions is important for this species.
- Development of a captive breeding program for this species may warrant consideration. If the population is wiped out by a major hurricane or storm surge event, a captive population could be used to repopulate the area.