Cambarus hubrichti
Cambarus hubrichti is a species of decapoda in the family Cambaridae.[2] The species goes by the common name Salem cave crayfish.[3] It is generally an omnivorous species. But, since green plants are scarce in caves it usually eats a proportion of animal meat.[4] OccurrenceThe species is endemic to the Salem Plateau in the southeastern part of Missouri.[1] It is found in the east-central parts of the Ozarks[4] The species is most often found in cave streams and underground lakes, sometimes it is also found at the mouth of springs.[4] According to the IUCN, in cave streams the species appears to prefer deep pools and siphons fed by submerged passages.[1] ThreatsAccording to the IUCN the greatest threats to this species is pollution as well as residential and commercial development. In 1981 a pipeline broke causing ammonium fertilizer to leak into the Maramec Spring, resulting in the death of thousands of individuals.[1] According to the Missouri department of conservation. Since the species is uncommon and has a limited range, it is therefore vulnerable to extirpation as well as extinction. Keeping the groundwater clean is key to help the species survive.[4] References
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