Alarming danger: Red American swamp crabs threaten Leipzig!

Alarming danger: Red American swamp crabs threaten Leipzig!

Leipzig, Deutschland - Leipzig faces a new, unwanted resident in his waters: the red American swamp cancer. This invasive cancer, which is native to North America, has been proven for the first time by researchers from the Leipzig Natural History Museum in the city and represents an alarming threat to the local fauna. The discovery of the cancer is considered to be concerned, since it transfers the cancer plague, which is fatal for domestic cancer and also endangers many local animal species, and volley, as Radio Leipzig reports.

The origin of the animals in Leipzig remains unclear, but this crayfish have been on the rise in Germany for several years and have already been a plague in Berlin. The Leipzig nature conservation authority has already secured around 25 animals of different ages since 2024. A new proof in May indicates a starting spread of the species, which further increases the attention of the nature conservation authorities.

habitats and characteristics

The red American swamp cancer lives in aquatic (fresh water) habitats and can be up to 15 centimeters long. His body is usually colored black and red, with young animals having a greenish shimmer. Characteristics such as two eye strips, back furrows that touch, as well as small thorns in the area of ​​the neck furrows and scissors, which are occupied with red warts, make it easy to recognize. Due to its striking black and red drawing, confusion with other types of cancer is hardly possible, complement information from the Landschaftsagentur Brandenburg.

The cancer plague that red American swamp cancer can transmit is subject to management, and various measures are intended for combating and control. These include live traps with cancer or reuses, the collecting of the animals and the installation of eco-barriers in channels.

call for help

The Natural History Museum in Leipzig calls the population for help. Sightings or finds of crayfish in the Leipzig or Saxony area should be reported, ideally with a photo for determination. This is intended to better document the spread of the red American swamp cancer and help to develop suitable protective measures.

The current Situation requires quick action to protect the domestic fauna. With every reference from citizens, the nature conservation authorities can develop effective strategies to preserve the ecosystem in Leipzig.