Mountain freshwater crayfish
Euastacus urospinosus
This little crayfish, sometimes called a Spiny crayfish, lives in burrows which it digs along the creek bank. Each burrow is normally occupied by only one crayfish. While common locally, this crayfish has a restricted distribution and is only found in upland streams of the Blackall and Conondale Ranges, above altitudes of 240 metres. They are slow to mature compared to many crayfish species - females taking up to six years, after which they release young only once a year in December. They are listed as endangered in Queensland. Threats include disturbance to stream banks and burrows, urban development and water pollution, hence the need to protect habitat and monitor water quality.
Researchers found this crayfish absent from cleared grazing land near the Reserve, making this rainforest a vital habitat. Keep an eye out for the burrow openings surrounded by mud balls along the Piccabeen Boardwalk.
(Illustration by Robyn Graham)
More amazing animals . . .
Rainforest Gardeners - Red legged pademelon - Imperial fruit moth
Mountain crayfish - Giant barred frog - Angle-headed dragon
Red-bellied black snake - Marbled frogmouth
