Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation
Actions
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish)
You are invited to provide your views and reasons supporting related to:
1)
the eligibility of Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) for inclusion on the
EPBC Act threatened species list in the critically endangered category; and
2)
the necessary conservation actions for the above species.
Evidence provided by experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses
can be provided by any interested person.
Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a
transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species
Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine
eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the
Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
Draft information for your consideration of the eligibility of this species for listing as
critically endangered starts at page 3 and information associated with potential conservation
actions for this species starts at page 9. To assist with the Committee’s assessment, the
Committee has identified a series of specific questions on which it seeks your guidance at
page 10.
Responses are to be provided in writing either by email to:
species.consultation@environment.gov.au
or by mail to:
The Director
Marine and Freshwater Species Conservation Section
Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division
Department of the Environment
PO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Responses are required to be submitted by Friday 11 September 2015.
Contents of this information package
General background information about listing threatened species
Information about this consultation process
Draft information about the common name and its eligibility for listing
Conservation actions for the species
Collective list of questions – your views
References cited
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) consultation
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General background information about listing threatened species
The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as
threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Once listed under the EPBC Act, the species
becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from
significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act. More
information about threatened species is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html.
Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the
department. In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the
EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous
scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of
criteria. These criteria are available on the Department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/pubs/guidelines-species.pdf.
As part of the assessment process, the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to
obtain specific details about the species, as well as advice on what conservation actions might
be appropriate. Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the
Committee in its assessment. The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together
with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a
particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate. The Minister decides to
add, or not to add, the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act. More
detailed information about the listing process is at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/nominations.html.
To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities, conservation
advices and where required, recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of
the EPBC Act. Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats
and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level. Recovery
plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to
enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework. Information
about recovery plans is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html.
Information about this consultation process
Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact
addresses provided on Page 1. All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee
and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
In providing comments, please provide references to published data where possible. Should the
Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice, the information will be
attributed to you and referenced as a ‘personal communication’ unless you provide references
or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this
information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself). The final advice by the
Committee will be published on the department’s website following the listing decision by the
Minister.
Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation
and court processes. It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act, the deliberations and
recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision
on the nomination, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.
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Euastacus dharawalus
Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish
Taxonomy
Conventionally accepted as Euastacus dharawalus Morgan, 1997.
Species Information
Description
The Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is a medium-sized, long-lived freshwater crayfish of the
Euastacus genus. The Euastacus (spiny-shelled) and Cherax (smooth-shelled) genera form the
two most specious groups of freshwater crayfish species in Australia, with Euastacus having the
highest number of species, with 50 named by 2012 and this number is likely to increase
(McCormack, 2012). Euastacus crayfish are generally identified from other groups of Australian
freshwater crayfish by having a spiny outer, often referred to as lateral, edge to their claws
(McCormack, 2012). The Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish are commonly olive green or green in
colour, sometimes brown, on the head and back, lightening to pale orange to cream on the
underside (McCormack, 2012). Claws are green with yellow or orange spotting on their edges,
with purple tips. Individuals grow to at least 86 mm occipital carapace length (OCL) (a standard
measure unit for crayfish, which is defined as the length from between the eyes and end of main
body segment) and 300 g in weight (McCormack, 2012).
Distribution
The Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is only found in part of the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment,
a small catchment which is a part of the Shoalhaven River catchment, a large, eastern-draining,
river system which meets the sea on the south coast of New South Wales (McCormack, 2012;
NSW DPI, 2012, McCormack, 2013). Observational data from preliminary surveys undertaken
between 2006 and 2011, as part of the Australian Crayfish Project, have found this species in
the main creekline of Wildes Meadow Creek and in all feeder streams from the permanent water
to the headwater ephemeral areas (McCormack, 2013). The species is only found within the
Wildes Meadow Creek catchment above Fitzroy Falls, which is an 80 m drop on the main
creekline that forms a natural barrier to: other, more aggressive species of freshwater crayfish,
including other related species of spiny crayfish such as the widely-distributed, southern lobster
(E. yanga), and; eels, which inhabit the creek below the falls (McCormack, 2012 and 2013).
Surveys of the surrounding catchments have detected other species of freshwater crayfish,
including the southern lobster, the giant spiny crayfish (E. spinifer), the hairy crayfish
(E. hirsutus) and the translocated Murray-Darling species (Cherax destructor) (McCormack,
2013) but not the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish.
The naturally occurring distribution of the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is limited to a stretch of
approximately 12 km of waterway along Wildes Meadow Creek, of which 750 m downstream of
the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir is considered high quality habitat for the species, as it is protected
within the northern tip of Morton National Park (NSW DPI, 2012). 3.2 km of the original creekline
of Wildes Meadow Creek has been inundated by the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, which was
constructed in 1974, and surveys have indicated that the species does not inhabit the reservoir
(NSW FSC, 2011; McCormack, 2013). The remainder of the waterway, upstream of the
reservoir, is bordered by agricultural land (NSW FSC, 2011).
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Since the reservoir’s construction, there are now two populations of the species isolated from
each other, one below the wall and one upstream of the reservoir water. Surveys have indicated
that mainly smaller (likely immature) individuals inhabit the headwater and ephemeral feeder
streams of the catchment system (McCormack, 2013).
Relevant Biology/Ecology
The Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is active day and night with peak activity in the late afternoon
and early evening (McCormack, 2012). Observations have noted that adult burrows can be
found just above or below the water line along the earthern banks of the creek, but only the
burrows below the water line are inhabited and that individuals often wander for food outside
their burrows during daylight (McCormack, 2012 and 2013).
Breeding starts with fertilisation in May and June, with females releasing juveniles in December
(NSW FSC, 2011; McCormack, 2012). Females are known to carry up to 500 eggs, which are
crimson or burgundy in colour. Not all females breed each year (McCormack, 2012 and 2013).
While there are no estimates of longevity, the species is likely to be relatively slow growing,
given that most individuals inspected are generally dirty and prone to heavy commensal
infestation (McCormack, 2012). The onset of sexual maturity is estimated to be between 5 and
7 years (McCormack, 2014).
Threats
The barrier to movement created by the concrete wall which forms the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir
stops the two isolated populations of the species, below the wall and above the wall (and
reservoir) from mixing (McCormack, 2013), hence acts as a threat to the species. Additionally,
the 3.2 km of stream length which has been inundated by the reservoir also acts as a barrier
where there is no suitable habitat for the species. Recent sampling has not detected the species
living in lentic habitats created by Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, only finding individuals above and
below the reservoir in flowing stream habitats (McCormack, 2013).
A likely threat to the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is competition and predation on juveniles from
another species of crayfish not native to the region, the freshwater yabby (Cherax destructor)
(Coughran et al., 2009). This threat has been noted in conservation assessments of the species
and other scientific publications (Coughran and Furse, 2010; NSW DPI, 2011;
McCormack, 2012; McCormack, 2014). Both the freshwater yabby and the Fitzroy Falls spiny
crayfish attain a similar size and compete for the same food resources (McCormack, 2014).
In New South Wales, the freshwater yabby’s natural historical range occurs west of the Great
Dividing Range but the species has been translocated and has established in eastern draining
streams in the state. The freshwater yabby was first recorded in Wildes Meadow Creek above
Fitzroy Falls in 2006 (Coughran et al., 2009). Surveys between 2006 and 2008 in Wildes
Meadow Creek, below the reservoir and above the falls, collected increasing numbers of
freshwater yabbies from 3 in 2006 to 73 in 2008 (Coughran et al., 2009). In the 2008 survey, it
was observed that all of the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish sampled displayed injuries consistent
with aggressive competitive or predatory interactions with other crayfish (Coughran et al., 2009).
Coughran et al. (2009) suggests that the reproductive traits of the freshwater yabby equip it to
outcompete the endemic Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish.
Another likely threat to the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is illegal fishing. While the species is a
totally protected species in New South Wales and the use of yabby traps is not permitted in
Wildes Meadow Creek (NSW DPI, 2014), it has been suggested that illegal recreational take of
this species is seriously impacting the species (McCormack, 2012).
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A potential threat to the juvenile Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is predation by alien fish species.
Fitzroy Falls Reservoir and Wildes Meadow Creek upstream of the reservoir are listed trout
waters in New South Wales (NSW DPI, 2014). Alien rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have
been stocked at a rate of between 5000 and 7500 fingerlings per annum in Fitzroy Falls
Reservoir between 2005 and 2012 (NSW DPI, 2015). Trout predate on young individuals of
another species of freshwater spiny crayfish, the alpine crayfish (E. crassus) (Lintermans and
Osborne, 2002). Alien carp (Cyprinus carpio) are also known to be in the reservoir (McCormack,
2013).
The native species, the Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata), which did not naturally
occur in Wildes Meadow Creek above Fitzroy Falls poses a potential threat to the juvenile
Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish as it is considered a predator of small freshwater crayfish, given that
recreational fishers traditionally use small crayfish as bait when fishing for the species
(McCormack, 2013). For the first time since before 2005, 15 000 Australian bass were stocked
into Fitzroy Falls Reservoir over 2012/13 (NSW DPI, 2015). Juvenile Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish
are likely to be particularly vulnerable to predation by Australian bass (McCormack, 2013).
It is considered that agricultural chemical usage within the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment is
common, and herbicides are often used to control weeds along stream banks (McCormack,
2013). A laboratory experiment on redclaw juveniles (Cherax quadricarinatus), another
Australian species of freshwater crayfish, found that exposure to a glyphosate and
polyoxyethylene amine mixture, which are common major ingredients for herbicides used in
Australia, slowed body-weight gain strongly correlated to a decrease in muscle protein levels led
by a decrease in both glycogen and lipid reserves (Frontera et al., 2011). Reduction in growth
rates caused by exposure to herbicide-like treatments containing glyphosphate and
polyoxyethylene has been observed in other studies of freshwater crustaceans species native to
other parts of the world (Mensah et al., 2012; Frontera et al., 2014). The precise impact such
agricultural chemicals are having on the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish is unclear, however it is
possible that their use within Wildes Meadow Creek catchment is negatively impacting the
species.
The smaller headwater and feeder streams of the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment have rural
farm dams constructed across them, limiting the available habitat area and restricting water flow
(McCormack, 2013). No reports of the species are known from these farm dams, and these
restrict water flow in the feeder streams within the upper parts of the catchment (McCormack,
2013). From desktop analysis of recent topographical and satellite imagery maps for the area, at
least 40 farm dams or impoundments are located within the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment
upstream of Fitzroy Falls Reservoir (DoL, 2006; Google Maps, 2015). The presence of stream
flow seems to be important to the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish, as surveys indicate it does not
utilise lentic waters and is restricted to parts of the catchment where there is flowing stream
conditions (McCormack, 2013). The presence of these farm dams in the Wildes Meadow Creek
catchment represents another potential threat to the species.
Other potential threats to the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish are predation and habitat disturbance
by exotic terrestrial species that have been found to generally impact on freshwater spiny
crayfish, such as feral foxes (Green and Osborne, 1981; Carey et al., 2003) and feral pigs
(A. Borshoom, pers. comm., cited in Eyre et al., 1997). Feral foxes and pigs are considered to
occur in the northern part of Morton National Park (NSW OEH, 2011), within the general vicinity
of the rest of the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment.
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In addition, the New South Wales Fisheries Scientific Committee’s listing determination in 2011
noted that river regulation of water to Wildes Meadow Creek downstream of Fitzroy Falls
Reservoir may potentially be impacting on the species (NSW FSC, 2011).
Another potential threat to the species is the damage to, or removal of, riparian vegetation.
A majority of the upstream habitat area within the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment has been
cleared for agriculture, and feeder streams meander through grazing paddocks (McCormack,
2013). There are field observations of the burrows of the species, and the banks in which these
occur, being impacted by stock trampling (McCormack, 2013). There are also observations of
the effect of stock grazing on stream riparian vegetation on these stream banks (McCormack,
2013).
Assessment of available information in relation to the EPBC Act Criteria and Regulations
Criterion 1. Population size reduction (reduction in total numbers)
Population reduction (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to
A4
Critically Endangered
Very severe reduction
Endangered
Severe reduction
Vulnerable
Substantial reduction
A1
≥ 90%
≥ 70%
≥ 50%
A2, A3, A4
≥ 80%
≥ 50%
≥ 30%
A1
A2
Population reduction observed, estimated, inferred or
suspected in the past and the causes of the reduction
are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased.
Population reduction observed, estimated, inferred
or suspected in the past where the causes of the
reduction may not have ceased OR may not be
understood OR may not be reversible.
A3
Population reduction, projected or suspected to be
met in the future (up to a maximum of 100 years) [(a)
cannot be used for A3]
A4
An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or
suspected population reduction where the time period
must include both the past and the future (up to a
max. of 100 years in future), and where the causes of
reduction may not have ceased OR may not be
understood OR may not be reversible.
(a)
direct observation [except A3]
(b)
an index of abundance appropriate to
the taxon
based
(c)
on any
of the
following
:
(d)
a decline in area of occupancy,
extent of occurrence and/or quality of
habitat
(e)
actual or potential levels of
exploitation
the effects of introduced taxa,
hybridization, pathogens, pollutants,
competitors or parasites
Evidence:
Abundance data over time for the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish are limited. Observational data
collected over the past 10 years indicate that there could be a decline in abundance in the
population that exists below the reservoir wall (between the base of the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir
wall and the Fitzroy Falls). Surveys between 2006 and 2008 indicated a static population density
of 1 individual per 10 lineal metres (lm) of steam length (McCormack, 2013). A survey
undertaken in late-2011 indicated a population density of 1/80 lm (McCormack, 2013),
representing a suspected decline of at least 80% in the five years leading up to late-2011 of the
below the reservoir population of the species. There has not been a similar decline recorded as
yet for the population occurring above the reservoir (McCormack, 2013).
As there is no time series data for the population above the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir wall, which
represent the larger population (McCormack, 2013), the data presented above appear to be
insufficient to demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion. However,
the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand
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the species’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage,
as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 2. Geographic distribution is precarious for either extent of occurrence
AND/OR area of occupancy
Critically Endangered
Very restricted
Endangered
Restricted
Vulnerable
Limited
B1. Extent of occurrence (EOO)
< 100 km2
< 5,000 km2
< 20,000 km2
B2. Area of occupancy (AOO)
< 10 km2
< 500 km2
< 2,000 km2
=1
≤5
≤ 10
AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions:
(a)
Severely fragmented OR Number of
locations
(b)
Continuing decline observed, estimated, inferred or projected in any of: (i) extent of occurrence; (ii) area of
occupancy; (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat; (iv) number of locations or subpopulations; (v) number of
mature individuals
(c)
Extreme fluctuations in any of: (i) extent of occurrence; (ii) area of occupancy; (iii) number of locations or
subpopulations;( iv) number of mature individuals
Evidence:
McCormack (2013) calculates the catchment area of Wildes Meadow Creek above Fitzroy Falls
at approximately 32 km2, which includes the area of the reservoir. The Fitzroy Falls Reservoir
has a surface area of 5.2 km2 (McCormack, 2013). Given that the species occurs above and
below the reservoir and throughout the entire catchment above the falls, it is reasonable to
include the area of the reservoir within the estimate of extent of occurrence. Therefore the
estimated extent of occurrence is 32 km2.
Below the reservoir, the 750 m of stream varies in width from between 2 m to over 6 m in wider
pools (McCormack, 2013). For the purpose of this criterion, if we use an estimate of 4 m for the
entire 750 m section of this Wildes Meadow Creek, it represents an area of occupany of
approximately 0.003 km2. Above the reservoir, Wildes Meadow Creek varies in width of between
2 and 3 m for 2 km (McCormack, 2013). This equates to an area of occupancy of approximately
0.005 km2. While no information is given for the width of stream upstream of this area (likely to
be around 6 km in length), and the width and length of all headerwater feeder streams in the
upper Wildes Meadow Creek catchment, given the narrow stream widths, it is highly likely to be
less than 1 km2, therefore it is almost certain that the total area of occupancy for the species is
much less than 10 km2, therefore smaller than the lowest threshold for this criterion.
Both the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy classify as very restricted under B1 and
B2. The two populations of the species are severely fragmented due to the barrier formed by the
dam wall of the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir and the impoundment itself, given that the species is
considered not to live in lentic waters (McCormack, 2013), and it only occurs at one small
location in Wildes Meadow Creek above Fitzroy Falls, therefore classifying the species for
very restricted under B2(a). There is also evidence of observed continuing decline, given that
surveys of the population of individuals (presumably all mature) below Fitzroy Falls Reservoir
between 2006 and 2008 indicated a static population density of 1/10 lm of steam length, and
then a survey undertaken in late-2011 indicated a population density of 1/80 lm (McCormack,
2013), therefore classifying the species under B2(b)(v).
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The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as
critically endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document
is to elicit additional information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should
therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of
responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 3.
Small population size and decline
Estimated number of mature individuals
Critically
Endangered
Very low
Endangered
Low
Vulnerable
Limited
< 250
< 2,500
< 10,000
Very high rate
25% in 3 years or 1
generation
(whichever is longer)
High rate
20% in 5 years or 2
generation
(whichever is
longer)
Substantial rate
10% in 10 years or 3
generations
(whichever is longer)
≤ 50
≤ 250
≤ 1,000
90 – 100%
95 – 100%
100%
AND either (C1) or (C2) is true
C1
An observed, estimated or projected
continuing decline of at least (up to a
max. of 100 years in future)
C2
An observed, estimated, projected or
inferred continuing decline AND its
geographic distribution is precarious
for its survival based on at least 1 of
the following 3 conditions:
(a)
(b)
(i) Number of mature individuals in
each subpopulation
(ii) % of mature individuals in one
subpopulation =
Extreme fluctuations in the number of
mature individuals
Evidence:
While there is no definitive information on the number of mature individuals, an estimate can be
made using the information presented in a recent study on individual densities of Fitzroy Falls
spiny crayfish along Wildes Meadow Creek (McCormack, 2013). The most recent estimates of
densities for below the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir wall, a 2 km stretch of creek upstream of the
reservoir and 2 km stretch of creek headwater are:

Below Fitzroy Falls Reservoir – 750 m stretch of Wildes Meadow Creek between the base
of the concrete reservoir wall and the top of Fitzroy Falls – density recorded as 1/80 lm
individuals (McCormack, 2013) – equates to an estimate of 9 individuals.

Upstream of Fitzroy Falls Reservoir – 2 km stretch of Wildes Meadow Creek from the inflow
of the creek into the inundated reservoir to 2 km upstream – density recorded as 1/6 lm
large adult individuals (McCormack, 2013) – equates to an estimate of 333 individuals.

Headwaters of Wildes Meadow Creek – the 2 km stretch of Wildes Meadow Creek from
2 km upstream of the inflow of the creek in the inundated reservoir to 4 km upstream –
density recorded as 1/2.5 lm of smaller individuals (McCormack, 2013) – equates to an
estimate of 800 individuals.
These estimates sum to a total number of 1142 individuals (mature and immature). It would be
reasonable to assume that many of the smaller individuals as observed in the survey by
McCormack (2013) in the headwater region would not be mature. Therefore, when considering
the proportion of these 1142 individuals, it is highly likely that less than 1000 of these individuals
would be mature. It would also be reasonable to assume that greater than 95 per cent of mature
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individuals exist in the population upstream of the reservoir, which is physically separated from
the population below the reservoir by a concrete impoundment wall. It is expected that smaller
headwaters and ephemeral streams would not be home to sufficient numbers of mature
individuals to alter the outcome of analysis for this criterion given the very limited geographical
area of the catchment of Wildes Meadow Creek.
For the purpose of this criterion, while the total number of mature individuals is likely to be less
than 1000, it classifies as ‘low’, because the number is most likely to be between the range of
250 and 2500. Given that greater than 95 per cent of mature individuals exist in the one
population upstream of the impoundment waters of Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, the species
classifies under C2(a)(ii) as 95 – 100 per cent of mature individuals being in one subpopulation.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as
endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit
additional information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should therefore
be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this
consultation process.
Criterion 4.
Very small population
Number of mature individuals
Critically Endangered
Extremely low
Endangered
Very Low
Vulnerable
Low
< 50
< 250
< 1,000
Evidence:
As mentioned above, sampling of individual densities along Wildes Meadow Creek can be used
to estimate that there are approximately a total number of 1142 individuals (mature and
immature) .It would be reasonable to assume that many of the smaller individuals as observed
in the survey by McCormack (2013) in the headwater region would not be mature. Therefore,
when considering the proportion of these 1142 individuals, it is highly likely that less than 1000
of these individuals would be mature. For the purposes of this criterion, the number of mature
individuals is likely to be between 250 and 1000, therefore this number range classifies as ‘low’
under this criterion. It is expected that the smaller headwaters and ephemeral streams that have
not been sampled in surveys for the species, would not be home to sufficient numbers of mature
individuals to alter the outcome of analysis for this criterion given the very limited, geographical
area (32 km2) of the catchment of Wildes Meadow Creek.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as
vulnerable under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit
additional information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should therefore
be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this
consultation process.
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Criterion 5.
Quantitative Analysis
Indicating the probability of extinction in
the wild to be:
Critically Endangered
Immediate future
Endangered
Near future
Vulnerable
Medium-term future
≥ 50% in 10 years or 3
generations,
whichever is longer
(100 years max.)
≥ 20% in 20 years or
5 generations,
whichever is longer
(100 years max.)
≥ 10% in 100 years
Evidence:
Population viability analysis appears not to have been undertaken, there are insufficient data to
demonstrate if the species is eligible for listing under this criterion. However, the purpose of this
consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the species’ status.
This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be
changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Conservation Actions
Recovery Plan
A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been
determined. The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help
inform this decision.
Primary Conservation Objectives
Maintain the current range and rebuild populations of Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish.
Conservation and Management Actions

Implement a control program for carp (Cyprinus carpio) within the Wildes Meadow Creek
catchment in all waterways upstream of Fitzroy Falls.

Cease stocking Australian bass and alien salmonids (such as rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)) in Fitzroy Falls Reservoir and/or Wildes Meadow Creek catchment.

Implement a ban on all fishing methods for fish and crayfish in the Wildes Meadow Creek
catchment outside the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir to minimise all impacts on the waterway.

Install appropriate signage at road intersections with, and along, Wildes Meadow Creek
informing the public about the species conservation status and fishing closures.

Prohibit the installation of additional farm dams in the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment.

Protect riparian vegetation around Wildes Meadow Creek, upstream of the Fitzroy Falls
Reservoir.
Monitoring priorities

Implement an appropriate monitoring program or, if appropriate, support and enhance
existing program(s) to monitor abundance annually to detect sudden, and notable
fluctuations.

Implement a monitoring program to determine the effectiveness of the management actions
implemented to recover the species.
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Information and research priorities

Research the nature and extent of interactions between the freshwater yabby
(Cherax destructor) and the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish.

Investigate the impacts on the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish of herbicide and pesticide use in
the Wildes Meadow Creek catchment.

Increase understanding of the species’ life history characteristics, including longevity,
fecundity, growth rates etc.

Investigate the interactions of groundwater extraction and farm dam entrapment within the
Wildes Meadow Creek catchment on stream flows and the associated impacts upon the
species.
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) consultation
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Collective list of questions for the Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish (Euastacus dharawalus) –
your views
Biological information
1.
Can you provide any additional information or estimates for the species’ longevity, average
life span or generation length with supporting references?
Population size
2.
Has the survey effort for this species been adequate to determine its adult population size?
If not, what further surveys and population analyses need be undertaken?
3.
Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable,
increasing or declining.
Current Distribution/range/extent of occurrence, area of occupancy
4.
Is the distribution as described as being only found in Wildes Meadow Creek above Fitzroy
Falls, and now not within the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, valid? If not, please provide
justification for your response and provide alternate evidence.
5.
Do you consider that the estimate current extent of occurrence of 80 km2, as referenced
from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) assessment of
conservation status (Furse and Coughran, 2010), is appropriate? Please provide
justification for your response with any alternative suggestions.
6.
Can you provide an estimate of the area of occupancy?
If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy, you
may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested
in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy, and also choose the level of confidence
you have in this estimated range.
Area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of:
□ <10 km □ 11 – 500 km
2
2
□ 501 – 2000 km □ >2000 km
2
2
Level of your confidence in this estimated area of occupancy:
□ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much data to go on
□ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence
□ 51–95% - reasonably certain, data suggests this range of decline
□ 95–100% -high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range
□ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range
General
7.
What are your views on whether the species is eligible for inclusion in the critically
endangered category of the threatened species list?
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) consultation
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8.
Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment?
Threats
9.
Do you agree that the barrier to movement caused by the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir concrete
wall and the impoundment waters is the main threat and that its effect on the species is
significant?
10.
Do you agree that the potential threats listed below are correct and that their effect on the
species is potentially significant? Are you able to provide any documentation or evidence
that these may actually be known threats for the species?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
11.
competition and predation from the freshwater yabby (Cherax destructor)
illegal fishing
predation from alien fish, including salmonids (such as rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)) and carp (Cyprinus carpio)
predation from native fish, that did not historically occur in the area, such as
Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata)
predation and habitat disturbance by exotic terrestrial species such as feral foxes
and pigs
water regulation from Fitzroy Falls Reservoir
Can you provide additional or alternative information on threats, past, current or potential
that may adversely affect this species at any stage of its life cycle, with supporting
references?
Management
12.
Are you aware of any information on the effectiveness of management and recovery
actions that are currently in place for the species?
13.
Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or
conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the species?
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) consultation
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References cited in the advice
Carey A, Evans M, Hann P, Lintermans M, MacDonald T, Ormay P, Sharp S, Shorthouse D and
Webb N (2003). Technical Report 17 Wildfires in the ACT 2003: Report on initial impacts
on natural ecosystems. Environment ACT, Canberra.
Coughran J, McCormack RB and Daly G (2009). Translocation of the Yabby Cherax destructor
into eastern drainages of New South Wales, Australia. Australian Zoologist, vol. 35(1):
100 – 103.
Department of Lands (DoL) (2006). 9028-4N Robertson Topographic & Orthophotomap 824735,
1:25 000. Department of Lands, New South Wales Government, Bathurst.
Frontera JL, Vatnick I, Chaulet A and Rodríguez EM (2011). Effects of Glyphosate and
Polyoxyethylenamine on Growth and Energetic Reserves in the Freshwater Crayfish
Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda, Parastacidae). Archives of Environmental
Contamination and Toxicology, vol. 61(4): 590 – 598.
Frontera JL, Gilette N, Hull B, Korang J, Amorim C, Vatnick I and Rodríguez EM (2014). Effects
of Glyphosate and Polyoxyethylene Amine on Metabolic Rate and Energy Reserves of
Procambarus clarkii Juveniles. Open Environmental Sciences, vol. 8: 49 – 53.
Furse J and Coughran J (2010). Euastacus dharawalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species. Version 2014.3.
Viewed 5 March 2015.
Available on the Internet at:
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Google Maps (2015). Wildes Meadow Creek Catchment @-34.6001226,150.5422021. Satellite
image data layer.
Viewed 18 June 2015.
Available on the Internet at:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.6001226,150.5422021,15z/data=!3m1!1e3
Green K and Osborne WS (1981). The Diet of Foxes, Vulpes vulpes (L.), in Relation to
Abundance of Prey above the Winter Snowline in New South Wales. Wildlife Research,
vol. 8: 349 – 360.
Lintermans M and Osborne W (2002). Wet & Wild: A Field Guide to the Freshwater Animals of
the Southern Tablelands and High Country of the ACT and NSW. Environment ACT,
Canberra.
McCormack RB (2012). A guide to Australia’s spiny freshwater crayfish. CSIRO Publishing,
Canberra.
McCormack RB (2013). Conservation of imperilled crayfish, Euastacus dharawalus
(Decapoda: Astacidea: Parastacidae), from the southern highlands of New South Wales,
Australia. Journal of Crustacean Biology, vol. 33(3): 432 – 439.
McCormack RB (2014). New records and review of the translocation of the yabby
Cherax destructor into eastern drainages of New South Wales, Australia.
Australian Zoologist, vol. 37(1): 85 – 94.
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) consultation
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Mensah PK, Muller WJ, Palmer CG (2012). Using growth measures in the freshwater shrimp
Caridina nilotica as biomarkers of Roundup® pollution of South African freshwater
systems. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, vol. 50 – 52: 262 – 268.
Morgan GJ (1997). Freshwater crayfish of the genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda: Parastacidae)
from New South Wales, with a key to all species of the genus. Records of the Australian
Museum, vol. 23: 1 – 110.
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) (2012). Fitzroy Falls Spiny
Crayfish Euastacus dharawalus. Primefact 1181 Factsheet. Published by the Department
of Primary Industries, a part of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional
Infrastructure and Services, State of New South Wales.
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) (2014). NSW Recreational
Freshwater Fishing Guide. Published by the Department of Primary Industries on behalf
of the State of New South Wales.
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) (2015). NSW impoundment
stockings 2005/06 – 2012/13 (all programs). New South Wales Department of Primary
Industries.
Viewed 4 March 2015.
Available on the Internet at:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/511963/NSW-fish-stockingrecord-200506-201213.pdf
New South Wales Fisheries Scientific Committee (NSW FSC) (2011). Final determination:
The Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish – Euastacus dharawalus as a Critically Endangered
Species. November 2011, Ref. No FD 49. New South Wales Department of Primary
Industries.
New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW OEH) (2011). Draft South Coast
Regional Pest Management Strategy Part B: 2012-2015. Office of Environment and
Heritage, Sydney, New South Wales.
Euastacus dharawalus (Fitzroy Falls spiny crayfish) consultation
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