Don’t be put off by those claws—this gentle giant needs your help. The Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Crayfish is the largest of their kind in the entire world. They can grow up to 80cm long and weigh as much as a small dog!
Sadly, their habitat is being destroyed by sediment from logging run-off, which is bad news for the long-term survival of this endangered creature. Luckily, there is a recovery plan being considered by the Australian Government to protect the crayfish.
How can you help? Take a few minutes to add your comments to the submission, so the Giant Freshwater Crayfish can continue to exist for years to come.
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To: The Director, Terrestrial Threatened Species Section, Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division
The Giant Freshwater Crayfish is a unique and spectacular creature. We’ve seen some good progress in protecting their home, but I’m deeply concerned about the need to take the next steps to secure the species’ future. Thank you for taking action with the draft recovery plan, however I think there are some instances where we can do better.
The biggest threats require measures to reduce habitat disturbance which creates downstream sedimentation. Of the various land uses pertaining to this issue, forestry is identified as a key threat.
I’m strongly supportive of the draft recovery plan, however I do feel like there are areas that can be specifically improved.
• I support prioritisation of protection of areas where the crayfish is found on public and private land. However, there are key areas where the evidence justifies immediate protection actions—including Black, Dip River, Frankland, Horton River and Flowerdale/Hebe subcatchments.
• I’m in agreement with all the actions that related to protection of and reducing impacts in upstream habitats, but given the urgency of situation would like an interim measure put in place establishing a buffer area until all other measures are developed and implemented.
• I’d like to see more population monitoring for the species.
Thank you for listening to my concerns about the amazing and threatened Giant Freshwater Crayfish; we need to do everything in our power to save this magnificent Tasmanian creature.
Sincerely,