Crayfish need help to claw back rivers

Wildlife experts are asking for the public's help in ensuring crayfish remain a fixture in streams and rivers across our region.

The creatures are endangered and members of the Wildlife Trust say it is important a clear picture emerges of just how healthy the population in our waterways is.

The Montgomeryshire branch of Wildlife Trust, which is based in Welshpool, said it wants anybody who has seen the small lobster-like creatures to contact them.

Tammy Stretton, conservation officer for the trust, said it was now compiling details of when are where crayfish are found in the area. Similar exercises are expected to be set up in Shropshire.

She said: "Our only native crayfish, the white-clawed crayfish, is endangered at the moment.

"This is largely due to the spread of the alien signal crayfish, so we need to get sightings of both species.

"The white-clawed crayfish is olive-green to brown in colour and reaches no more than 12cm in length from the tip of tail to the top of head. Its name refers to the colour of the undersides of the claws, which are off-white to pinkish.

"Compared to the native species, the signal crayfish is much larger, up to 16cm. Its claws are red underneath and they have a small turquoise and white blotch on the upper side."

Tammy said the native crayfish is losing our to the signal crayfish in a similar way to the threat of the grey squirrel to the red squirrel.

She added: "The docile white-clawed crayfish is losing ground to the more aggressive signal, both through direct competition and the spread of 'crayfish plague', to which our natives are extremely susceptible.

"We are currently working to save a recently discovered population of white-claws near Llanfair Caereinion, which are under imminent threat from signals.

"We really need help from the public to further improve our records and understand the plight of our unique native species."

The Wildlife Trust says everyone can help the crayfish by their actions when they are near rivers. It is particularly asking fishermen to adhere to the 'check, clean, dry' rule.

Tammy said: "People should check equipment and clothing for living organisms and they should return them to the waterbody in which they found them, clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. They should make sure they don't transfer water elsewhere and dry all equipment and clothing before visiting another waterbody."

To report a sighting you can call Tammy on 01938 555654.