 White-clawed crayfish are a protected species in the UK |
Endangered freshwater white-clawed crayfish are thriving in one of the most unlikely parts of urban Leeds. Britain's only native crayfish have been found in Meanwood Beck at Sheepscar, an area usually more noted for traffic congestion than wildlife.
The crustaceans had been restricted to rural areas of the beck due to the poor quality of water downstream.
But Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency have cleaned sewage overflows into the beck to extend their habitat.
Endangered species
Biodiversity specialist for the Environment Agency, Martin Christmas, said the crayfish, which are protected under European and UK legislation, were discovered at Sheepscar during routine checks.
"Despite the very urban nature of the river at Sheepscar, and the fact that crayfish are not very active in winter, several were found, including a female carrying eggs," he said.
"All this means that one of the country's endangered species is establishing a foothold in an unlikely looking area, and of course our urban rivers and streams are getting cleaner."
Crayfish can be found in a wide range of aquatic habitats, although they are currently under threat from the larger American signal crayfish.
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