California

Crayfish Shasta – Pacifastacus fortis

• Status – Critically endangered
• Estimated numbers – Unknown
• Population trend – Decreasing
• Location – Shasta County, California, USA
• Why are they under threat –This species has undergone significant habitat fragmentation as a result of water diversion and impoundments associated with four major hydroelectric dams. Their distribution is no longer continuous and the amount of occupied area within its range is significantly reduced. The population of this species is now considered to be highly fragmented and split into isolated subpopulations as a result of dam construction. Exotic and invasive species also pose another major threat as they are subject to increased predation from non-native species such as muskrats, bullfrogs, and several species of introduced game fish.
• What can you do – Make donations to the Spring Rivers Foundation who are making steps in improving habitats for the crayfish.
• Species foundation – www.springrivers.org