A native and critically endangered crayfish species is being brought back from the brink of extinction through a new collaborative breeding program.

Hairy Marron are a large freshwater crayfish that are endemic to the Margaret River. Due to competition and hybridisation with the smooth marron, wild populations of hairy marron have declined dramatically. 

Human intervention through this breeding program is needed to help ensure this special native species doesn’t disappear.

That’s why for the past two years, Perth Zoo Science staff have been working relentlessly behind-the-scenes in the Native Species Breeding Program in an effort to bolster population numbers.

Through the collaborative program, staff have been supporting pairs of marron through the courting, mating and egg-laying stages. The eggs are hatched as teeny tiny little juveniles and held under the mother’s tail (pictured above) until they’re big enough to become independent.

And we’re over the moon to say we’re having success with over 50 craylings successfully bred and reared at Perth Zoo, with assistance from crayfish experts in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Craylings start very small, at around 1cm long, and have grown considerably over the past year. While they still have a long journey ahead of them, they represent a big 'pinch' of hope for the future of this species. 

Animal carers are closely and carefully monitoring the growth of juvenile craylings to keep track of their progress.

Through coordinated breeding efforts, we have seen great success bringing animals, like the Western Swamp Tortoise and Dibbler, back from the brink. Now we’re working as hard as we can for the Hairy Marron.

Breeding Hairy Marron is part of a broader collaborative conservation effort for this species being undertaken by teams at DBCA and DPIRD.

We can’t wait to share more cray-tical updates!