Cambarus zophonastes
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambarus_zophonastes
Overview
Cambarus zophonastes, also known as the Hell Creek Cave crayfish, is named for its original location of discovery, Hell Creek Cave. It is also found in other similar habitats in Stone County and Marion County, Arkansas. These habitats include springs and caves such as Nesbitt Spring Cave in Stone County.
C. zophanastes is critically endangered according to the IUCN. C.
zophanastes is also protected by the ESA as an endangered species. Currently conservation efforts focus on monitoring populations, reducing disturbances, and monitoring water quality. More research has to be conducted to better understand and conserve the species.
Cambarus zophonastes faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in its extremely limited cave habitat range. Agricultural runoff and urban development in the surface watershed directly impact the delicate groundwater systems this species depends upon. The species' restriction to a single cave system makes it exceptionally vulnerable to any environmental disturbance or water quality degradation.
Habitat
This cave-obligate crayfish inhabits the groundwater-fed pools and streams within limestone cave systems in the southeastern United States. The species requires stable water temperatures, high water quality, and consistent groundwater flow typical of deep karst aquifer environments.
