Today is National Endangered Species Day + we are here to share the story of a very small, federally protected Nashville critter. 🦐

The Nashville crayfish, scientifically known as Faxonius shoupi, is one of 600+ species of crayfish and is the only animal exclusive to the Nashville area.
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Found only in Mill Creek + its side streams, Nashville crayfish play a vital role in our ecosystem. The crustaceans are food to many predators + their burrows serve as homes to other nearby mammals, reptiles + amphibians.

While this species of crayfish is still thriving, its habitat is not, landing them under protection of the Endangered Species Act in 1986. With the continuous growth of Nashville’s metropolitan areas comes damage + pollution to waterways, posing a major threat to native species. It is estimated that 40% of Nashville crayfish’s habitats have been developed.

Action is being taken both nationally + locally to ensure that Nashville crayfish continue living happy, healthy lives. Two initiatives have been created specifically to protect these species: US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Nashville Crayfish Recovery Plan + Nashville Zoo’s Nashville Crayfish Project, established in 2009 in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency + USFWS.

Through this project, community initiatives have been taken to preserve Mill Creek through revitalization efforts + crayfish population has been closely monitored. Additionally, the zoo’s team is working on a captive breeding program, in alignment with the Nashville Crayfish Recovery Plan’s recommendations.

Read more + learn how you can help.

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