Today is National Endangered Species Day + we are here to share the story of a very small, federally protected Nashville critter. 🦐
The Nashville crayfish , scientifically known as Faxonius shoupi, is one of 600+ species of crayfish and is the only animal exclusive to the Nashville area .
Found only in Mill Creek + its side streams, Nashville crayfish play a vital role in our ecosystem. The crustaceans are food to many predators + their burrows serve as homes to other nearby mammals, reptiles + amphibians.
While this species of crayfish is still thriving, its habitat is not, landing them under protection of the Endangered Species Act in 1986 . With the continuous growth of Nashville’s metropolitan areas comes damage + pollution to waterways, posing a major threat to native species. It is estimated that 40% of Nashville crayfish’s habitats have been developed.
Action is being taken both nationally + locally to ensure that Nashville crayfish continue living happy, healthy lives. Two initiatives have been created specifically to protect these species: US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Nashville Crayfish Recovery Plan + Nashville Zoo’s Nashville Crayfish Project , established in 2009 in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency + USFWS.
Through this project, community initiatives have been taken to preserve Mill Creek through revitalization efforts + crayfish population has been closely monitored. Additionally, the zoo’s team is working on a captive breeding program, in alignment with the Nashville Crayfish Recovery Plan’s recommendations.
Read more + learn how you can help .
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