New invasive species comes to Texas
Parks and Wildlife warns Texans of the possible detrimental impacts of the introduction of Marbled Crayfish into Texas waterways.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued a warning last month about the Marbled Crayfish. While this crawfish species has yet to be found in Texas waterways, Marbled Crayfish have been spotted being sold for aquariums in Texas, and potential owners of these creatures could choose to dump them in Texas water systems.
As invasive species, the Marbled Crayfish would compete with native crawfish and fish for food and resources, and their burrowing behavior could destabilize water banks and shores. The species, entirely female, can reproduce asexually from a single crawfish, giving one Marbled Crayfish the potential to grow the population of this invasive species rapidly.
To protect Texas wildlife from invasive species, be wary of introducing new wildlife to Texas, and never dump aquatic life into native Texas waterways. To avoid dumping into waterways, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s guide offers humane methods for disposal of these crawfish.
Topics
Authors
Mara Asmis
Luke Metzger
Executive Director, Environment Texas Research & Policy Center
As the director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air, clean water, clean energy and open space. Luke has led successful campaigns to win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; to compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at three Texas refineries and chemical plants; and to boost funding for water conservation and state parks. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside, received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks, and was chosen for the inaugural class of "Next Generation Fellows" by the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law at UT Austin. Luke, his wife, son and daughter are working to visit every state park in Texas.
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