Animals Reintroduction of critically endangered jackdaw crayfish
Two researchers from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Muttenz BL successfully reared and reintroduced critically endangered jackdaw crayfish on Tuesday. The crayfish are considered key species and are an important part of biodiversity.
19.11.2024, 10:01
SDA
The young crayfish serve as food for fish and other aquatic organisms, the researchers told the Keystone-SDA news agency. Immediately after hatching, the crayfish are just under one centimeter in size. Protected breeding bridges this sensitive life phase.
For the reintroduction project, egg-bearing females were taken from the Lüssel, a tributary of the Birs, in northwestern Switzerland in spring and brought to the FHNW rearing facility. Once the young had hatched, the mothers were returned to the Lüssel. The protected rearing took place in a facility with specially treated water and controlled feeding.
The researchers' aim was to establish a breeding station for jackdaw crayfish in the Birs catchment area. The Lüssel is home to a large population of Dohlenkrebs and is therefore well suited to the project. Two years ago, an unknown event led to many dead crayfish, according to the researchers. The reintroduction could strengthen the strong population. Despite its proximity to settlements, many sections of the Lüssel have a good water structure for crayfish.
Doe crayfish are one of four crayfish species native to Switzerland. They are highly endangered due to habitat destruction, water pollution and invasive crayfish from America. The latter were deliberately brought to Europe in the 1970s for culinary reasons. They are more competitive, have more young and transmit crayfish plague, which is fatal for Swiss crayfish.
