Abstract

As part of a recent biological research program on the crayfish fauna of northeastern New South Wales, Australia, 245 sites were sampled to gather baseline biological information on aspects such as distribution and habitat. This paper presents the findings for the two endemic species of Cherax from the region, C. cuspidatus and C. leckii. In addition to the field studies, a morphological examination of C. cuspidatus specimens was undertaken in order to clarify its taxonomic status. Results support the present recognition of a single, lowland Cherax from the region, C. cuspidatus. This widespread and tolerant species was recorded from 26 lowland (10 – 210 m) sites across a wide range of land uses and vegetation types, and can be considered of low conservation concern. Cherax cuspidatus appears to be most abundant in acidic (pH ~4) and poorly oxygenated (minimum 1.44 mg L-1) blackwater wallum habitats. Conversely, and unusually for the genus, C. leckii was recorded only from one remote, highland (640 m) site in Koreelah National Park. The stream channel lacked water at the time of sampling. On the basis of its restricted extent of occurrence, C. leckii satisfies the IUCN criteria for listing as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU D2). Potential threats to these crayfish are discussed.

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