Experts have quarantined some of the survivors to try and find out what’s going on… <\/p>
White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes<\/em>) are Britain\u2019s only native crayfish species. Their population has drastically declined in recent years due to the introduction of non-native crayfish species, habitat destruction and pollution. Now, catastrophe has struck in one of their last remaining strongholds \u2013 Northumberland.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> At least one hundred individuals, with peculiar orange patches on their shells, have been found dead in the River Wansbeck\u2019s catchment area.<\/p> Extensive surveys have revealed that the mysterious orange patches are widespread in individuals across the River Wansbeck catchment. Affected individuals have also been found in catchment areas of the River Tyne and River Blyth.<\/p> White-clawed crayfish can live for up to twelve years and are ecosystem engineers, playing a significant role in keeping freshwater habitats clean. They are also an important food source for many species, including otters<\/a>. That a mysterious condition is suddenly killing this endangered species in such numbers is a huge worry for conservationists.<\/p> The race is now on to protect the remaining individuals.<\/p> \u201cWe will carry out rescues to move some crayfish into quarantine so they can be monitored, and if healthy, released back into the wild in future,\u201d says Sarah Jennings, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in the North East.<\/p> Some individuals will be quarantined in tanks at the National Trust\u2019s Wallington Estate<\/a>, where they will stay for a minimum of three months. If they remain healthy, they will be released back to the wild, to sites that have been designated as safe.<\/p>