Invasive Australian Crayfish Found in Texas Raises Biodiversity Concerns

The discovery of Australian redclaw crayfish in the Rio Grande Valley has prompted fears of ecological disruption in local waterways.

Australian redclaw crayfish, native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, have been discovered in Brownsville, Texas, approximately 8,000 miles from their natural habitat.
Biologists warn the species could displace native crayfish and disrupt ecosystems, as it is a predatory scavenger that thrives in warm, freshwater environments.
The species' presence is likely linked to 'aquarium dumping,' where pet owners release non-native species into the wild, often with unintended ecological consequences.
Researchers have identified the crayfish in a single resaca near Brownsville, but their ability to travel overland raises concerns about their potential spread.
Efforts are underway to monitor their population, reproduction rates, and ecological impact, with preliminary findings showing the species is reproducing in Texas.