Gainesville, Fla. – Based on the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Black Creek crayfish as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and is also proposing to designate critical habitat for this species. This is a discretionary action based on new data which confirms the imminent threat of white tubercled crayfish outcompeting the Black Creek crayfish.
The Black Creek crayfish is native to the Lower St. Johns River basin in northeastern Florida. This small to medium-sized crayfish has dark claws and a dark body with a white or yellowish mid-dorsal stripe, white spots or streaks on its sides, and a rust-colored abdomen. The Black Creek crayfish occurs in flowing, sand-bottomed, tannin-stained streams that contain cool, unpolluted water.
In 2021, the Service determined the Black Creek crayfish did not warrant protection under the ESA. However, in 2023, the Service received new information highlighting the threats posed by the white tubercled crayfish.
“We take public and partner input very seriously, and it is an important part of our review process,” said Lourdes Mena, manager of the Classification and Recovery Division within the Florida Ecological Services Office. “The new information from the state agency, researchers, and the public helped us decide that listing this species as endangered is the best approach.”
The Service is proposing to designate approximately 656 miles of stream habitat in 15 units as critical habitat for the Black Creek crayfish. All proposed units are currently occupied by the species. Critical habitat requires federal agencies to consult with the Service if their actions may adversely modify or destroy critical habitat for listed species.
Private landowners are not affected by the critical habitat designation unless there is an action involving federal funds, permits, or activities. This designation does not affect land ownership, establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve or other conservation area conservation area
A conservation area or wildlife management area is a type of national wildlife refuge that consists primarily or entirely of conservation easements on private lands. These conservation easements support private landowner efforts to protect important habitat for fish and wildlife. There are 15 conservation areas and nine wildlife management areas in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Learn more about conservation area , nor does it allow the government or public to access private lands.
Learn about the Black Creek crayfish in our Frequently Asked Questions and species profile page.
The proposed rule and supporting materials are available at https://www.regulations.govunder Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2024-0090. Comments on the proposed rules must be submitted by Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, search for docket number FWS-R4-ES-2024-0090. Comments submitted electronically must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The agency must receive requests for public hearings in writing at the address shown below by Friday, October 25, 2024. For further information contact Gianfranco Basili, Deputy State supervisor, Florida Ecological Services Office, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256–7517; telephone 352-749-2451.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.
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