CapeNature has warned that red swamp crayfish are spreading further across the Western Cape after the invasive species was first found in the lower Olifants River canal systems in 2022, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The agency says the freshwater crustacean is a ‘seriously damaging invasive species’ and is now being detected at an alarming rate.
Dr Josie South, in CapeNature’s release, said continental Africa has no native crayfish, which makes the threat especially serious for the province’s fragile freshwater systems.
She noted that the species can alter whole ecosystems, feed on fish eggs and juvenile fish, and burrow into riverbanks and irrigation canals.
CapeNature also warned that red swamp crayfish can carry disease and survive out of water for several days if they stay wet enough. The release urges the public not to breed, release or spread crayfish into the wild. It also describes them as ‘extremely good escape artists’.
The agency has asked residents to report any sightings to CapeNature as soon as possible. It says early action matters because once crayfish settle in, removal becomes costly and difficult.
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Picture: CapeNature
