File:Gallery Crayfish 1.jpg

Summary

The Camp Shelby burrowing crayfish (Fallicambarus gordoni) is found in a localized wetland area in the DeSoto National Forest, Mississippi, on land leased by the Mississippi Army National Guard for Camp Shelby, and used as troop and tank training grounds. The habitat for this crayfish is vulnerable to activities that can directly destroy its burrows, compact the soil, or alter the hydrology of its pitcher plant dominated wetland habitat. Protective measures and management initiated by the US Forest Service and MS National Guard have removed all threats that were the basis of this crayfish’s candidate status. These long-term management commitments were formalized in a Candidate Conservation Agreement between the US Forest Service, MS National Guard, MS Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, and the Service, with the result that listing the species under the ESA is unnecessary and it has been removed from candidate status.

Camp Shelby Burrowing Crayfish, Photo by Michael Duran, TNC

Copyright status

This image is public domain because it was first publishe by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Source

http://www.fws.gov/Endangered/candidates/candidate_assessment.html