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Rescued Crayfish Thrive: UK’s Native Species Reintroduced

10/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In July, the Environment Agency rescued 32 white-clawed crayfish from drought-affected water in Burley-in-Wharfedale.
The adults, including 21 egg-carrying females, were quarantined at York Gate Gardens, Leeds.
30 juveniles born in quarantine were released into a tributary of the River Wharfe.
The white-clawed crayfish are the UK's only native freshwater species and are endangered by invasive American signal crayfish.

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Story summary

In July, the Environment Agency rescued 32 white-clawed crayfish from drought-affected water in Burley-in-Wharfedale.
The adults, including 21 egg-carrying females, were quarantined at York Gate Gardens, Leeds.
30 juveniles born in quarantine were released into a tributary of the River Wharfe.
The white-clawed crayfish are the UK's only native freshwater species and are endangered by invasive American signal crayfish.