Cambarus zophonastes

Troglobites have low reproductive rates and take longer periods to reach maturity.

[6] The basis of the food chain for this habitat is organic matter brought into the caves as a result of flooding after a rainstorm.

It likely consumes organic matter filtered from the water, as well as occasionally eating other animals[5] C. zophonastes shows no response to light or observation, likely as a result of its lack of eyes.

[4] The environment C. zophonastes lives is particularly nutrient poor, necessitating a low metabolic level.

The dark green areas demonstrate the areas in which Hell Creek Cave Crayfish are found in Arkansas, U.S.A. During the 2018 annual Hell Creek Cave Survey there was a slight decline in the mean number of crayfish observed.

These surveys are useful but do not provide sufficient data to accurately estimate population sizes or trends.

Habitat fragmentation can occur due to erosion and sedimentation resulting from human activity.

[6] Habitat destruction most often takes the form of pollution, such as urban runoff and waste disposal.

Other threats affecting this species include crayfish collection, human disturbance, and a lack of reproduction.

Energy wasted responding to human activity may greatly affect survivability and reproduction.

For example, if an egg-bearing female were to be disturbed or collected, and it lost its eggs, the biotic potential of the entire population would be significantly reduced.

Options for this included improving land use regulations, excluding recreational cavers, and locating and protecting other viable populations.

There is no evidence that indicates a noticeable decline in population numbers or habitat quality for this species over the past several years.

[4] For the Hell Creek Cave crayfish to be down-listed from endangered to threatened, three viable populations of the species must be discovered and protected.

Due to the troglobitic nature of the Hell Creek Cave Crayfish, it is unlikely that such populations will be found.

Admonitory signs were posted and a barrier was erected to prevent unauthorized cavers from entering.

Also, all land which contributes to the recharge of the cave’s water supply was identified by the Ozark Underground Laboratory under contract to the NHC.

One essential aspect is protecting land that provides recharge to the Hell Creek Cave.

Projects requiring state or federal approval must be reviewed to determine if they will negatively impact the Hell Creek Cave crayfish.

Locals can also help as contacts to report events that may impact the ecological status of Hell Creek Cave, such as chemical spills on highways.

Changes will be used to evaluate impacts of protective measures, and to develop management activities to conserve the species.

[5] Water quality is assessed to determine levels of pollution and the health of the aquatic habitat.