Hissing crayfish gets protection

[pink nipper]

The Federal Government has listed a freshwater crayfish, found exclusively in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia, on its threatened species list.

The Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish is endangered because of overfishing and habitat reduction from livestock grazing and drought.

Department of Sustainability and Environment biodiversity officer Jodie Honan says the protection status will help ensure the crayfish's survival.

"They're quite spectacular. When they lift up their claws their orange underneath," she said.

"If they feel threatened they lift up their claws, and they hiss as well. There's this big orange flash with this hissing noise."


Nip.