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Alarming new arrival: American swamp crayfish threatens Leipzig's waters!
Researchers at the Leipzig Natural History Museum discover the American swamp crayfish, which threatens native species. Reports requested.
Alarming new arrival: American swamp crayfish threatens Leipzig's waters!
In Leipzig, a new member of the species is causing a stir on the waters: the American swamp crayfish, also known as the red American swamp crayfish, was detected in the city for the first time. Researchers at the Leipzig Natural History Museum have come across the invasive animal species, which has been spreading in Germany, especially in Berlin, for several years. Together with the camber crayfish and the marbled crayfish, the swamp crayfish poses an increasing threat to native species, experts warn. Loud LR Online This discovery could have far-reaching ecological consequences.
The researchers report that the animals have a high reproductive rate and adaptability. This makes them serious competitors for native crayfish, which are affected by crayfish plague, which can be fatal to them. In addition to the crayfish species, many amphibians and molluscs are also endangered by the swamp crayfish. It remains unclear how the swamp crayfish got to Saxony, but 25 specimens of different ages were secured in Leipzig as early as 2024. Further evidence in May 2025 in another body of water indicates that the species is already spreading, explains the Leipzig newspaper.
Red alert for local ecosystems
Invasive species pose a serious threat to biodiversity worldwide WWF points to the alarming figures: over 3,500 alien species have established themselves as invasive. The list of threatened animal and plant species in Germany is long, and concern for the local fauna is growing. In view of the climate crisis, an increased spread of non-native species is expected.
The Leipzig Natural History Museum has asked citizens to report sightings of crayfish in the Leipzig or Saxony area. Ideally, these reports should be accompanied by photos for species identification. In this way, it is hoped that the spread can be better documented and suitable protective measures can be developed. A good knack for reporting can perhaps help protect the ecosystem and minimize the impact of this invasive species.
As the situation develops, it is now crucial to closely monitor the reproduction and spread of the American swamp crayfish. It remains to be hoped that local species have the chance to assert themselves against this new competitor.