Service Determines Kiamichi Crayfish Does Not Warrant Listing Under the Endangered Species Act

Pic courtesy of Casey D. Swecker, Marshall University Huntington

After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the Kiamichi crayfish is not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

The Kiamichi crayfish is a small, olive to reddish brown crayfish found in the headwaters and tributaries of the upper Kiamichi River in Southeastern Oklahoma. It is highly adapted to shallow and rocky riffles but finds refuge in deeper pools during dry periods. The species has historically faced elevated threats from sedimentation, but the majority of the species’ range was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service, where management maintains predominantly stable soil conditions.

On June 18, 2007, the Service received a petition to list the Kiamichi crayfish under the Endangered Species Act. On Dec. 16, 2009, the Service published a 90-day finding in the Federal Register that the petition presented substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Kiamichi crayfish may be warranted. This “not warranted” decision represents the Service’s 12-month finding.

The Service’s findings are based on a recently completed Species Status Assessment of the species and include input and review from academia, state agencies, species experts, and others. An in-depth review of the species’ taxonomy, habitat, stressors, and resources needed to maintain long-term persistence will be available at the species profile site.

A notice of the not warranted finding on the petition to list the Kiamichi crayfish can be found in the Federal Register on June 20th, 2024.

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