Species of Engaeus are small freshwater crayfish, with a general body length of under ten centimetres. Colouration among Engaeus species can vary from orange to reddish brown, to grey-blue or purple, with the Furneaux burrowing crayfish predominantly displaying purplish hues. The Furneaux burrowing crayfish is of medium size among the burrowing crayfish group, reaching a carapace length of approximately 25 mm. Horwitz recorded the largest male surveyed as 25.1 mm carapace length and mature females ranging from 18.8 to 25.3 mm carapace length.
Furneaux Burrowing Crayfish |
Engaeus martigener
Status: Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
Expand all
Close all
Close all
-
Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Engaeus martigener
Climate change may affect the Furneaux burrowing crayfish in the future if changes in weather; water and drainage patterns result in broad scale habitat changes (Doran; pers comm.; cited in Doran and Horwitz 2010).
Although a considerable proportion of the Furneaux burrowing crayfish s distribution is protected within a National Park; the species is at significant risk from wildfire which has the potential to destroy large swathes of habitat (TSS 2016).
Extended periods of drought also pose a threat to the species; particularly due to the increased fire risks which may follow (TSS 2016).
Threat factor Threat Evidence base type and status Wildfire Habitat loss potential The most significant potential threat to the survival of the and future Furneaux burrowing crayfish is wildfire (TSS 2016).
Therefore; high intensity burns may pose a significant threat to the species in the future (TSS 2016).In some instances crayfish are able to avoid the direct impacts of fire by retreating into deep burrows; however potential long term impacts to habitat availability may still be catastrophic (Doran 2000).
The flora in the upper reaches of Fotheringate Creek (the first described locality of the species and its associated vegetation; and an area containing exceptional habitat) has been identified as being particularly fire sensitive (Walsh 1999 TSS 2016).
Droughts are also likely to exacerbate the risks of wildfire (Doran 2000 TSS 2016).
Extended periods of drought also pose a threat to the species; particularly due to the increased fire risks which may follow (TSS 2016). -
Australian Government, Listing Advice, Engaeus martigener
Whilst the likelihood of fire has not been quantified; the nomination indicates that key habitat is identified as the most fire sensitive; there are high fuel levels; existing drought conditions; that some gully areas outside of the National Parks are subject to burning by landholders and that similar habitat on Deal Is has been completely lost due to fire and drought.
The risk; within the next ten years; of fire and subsequent habitat loss and population decline can be considered high.
The species is known from only five sites and as indicated above; the habitat is susceptible to potentially severe wildfire with such disturbance likely to have a significant adverse impact on the species; resulting in a decrease in extent of occurrence; area of occupancy; quality of habitat and number of individuals.
Whilst the likelihood of fire has not been quantified; the nomination indicates that key habitat is identified as the most fire sensitive; there are high fuel levels; existing drought conditions; that some gully areas outside of the National Parks are subject to burning by landholders and that similar habitat on Deal Is has been completely lost due to fire and drought.
Download