Euastacus vanderwerfi sp. nov., a new dwarf spiny freshwater crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Parastacidae) from the Gondwana Rainforests, Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia

A new species of dwarf spiny freshwater crayfish, Euastacus vanderwerfi, has been discovered in the highland rainforests of Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia. This species is distinguished from its closest relatives by unique morphological features and exhibits specific burrowing behavior and ecological preferences. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Site and underscores the need for urgent conservation efforts, as Euastacus vanderwerfi is assessed as Critically Endangered due to significant population decline and habitat threats.

McCormack, R. (2025). Euastacus vanderwerfi sp. nov., a new dwarf spiny freshwater crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Parastacidae) from the Gondwana Rainforests, Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum – Nature, 66, 27–44. https://doi.org/10.17082/vsnc7686