2,000 Miles of Streams Protected As Lifesaving Habitat
Following litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the Big Creek and St. Francis River crayfish as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also designated 2,112 river miles of critical habitat in the Missouri Ozarks for the two crayfish.
“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 scientist at the Center. “By protecting the river habitats of these crayfish, we’re also safeguarding drinking water and creating a healthier future for humans.”
The Center sued the Service in March for failing to protect the animals.
Two Missouri Crayfish Receive Endangered Species Protection
Following litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the Big Creek and St. Francis River crayfish as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also designated 2,112 river miles of critical habitat in the Missouri Ozarks for the two crayfish.
“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 scientist at the Center. “By protecting the river habitats of these crayfish, we’re also safeguarding drinking water and creating a healthier future for humans.”
The Center sued the Service in March for failing to protect the animals.
Two Missouri Crayfish Receive Endangered Species Protection