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. The Mount Arthur burrowing crayfish grows to a length of approximately eight centimetres and is usually striking orange in colour, though brown colour morphs can also be found.
Mount Arthur Burrowing Crayfish |
Engaeus orramakunna
Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Engaeus orramakunna
Climate change Habitat potential Within Australia climate mediated threats; including impacts on alteration future water temperature and availability; are putting the conservation status of two thirds of all freshwater crayfish species at risk (Richman et al.; 2015).
Climate change may affect the Mt Arthur burrowing crayfish in the future if changes in weather; water and drainage patterns result in broad scale habitat changes.
Fire Too frequent future High intensity fires; and the consequent effects on vegetation burning and habitat quality; may impact upon the Mount Arthur burrowing crayfish (Doran 2000).