This non-indigenous species (known as a “yabby” in Australia), was reputedly introduced a number of years ago from a fish-farm in the town of Siavonga on the Zambian side of the lake. The speed at which it is spreading is considered to be serious cause for concern to the lake environment.
While these creatures are proving to be very good eating for many people, including Kariba’s tourists, the local population do not seem to find them palatable (unlike the Nile Bream, another invasive species which was introduced some years ago and is now successfully farmed in Lake Kariba).
There are fears that their escalating numbers will severely affect future fish populations. Crayfish are reportedly being caught in large numbers (over 100 adults at a time) in traps in certain areas of the lake. Their breeding appears to be prolific – with literally millions of small fry swarming the shallows.
Research is underway, but it seems that the scale of the problem may be getting out of hand.
Meanwhile, the National Parks Authorities are reported to be charging levies for crayfish traps. This may not be in the best interest of the lake environment. Surely they should be encouraging people to catch and kill as many invasive crayfish as possible?
Post published in: News
Thanks for publishing this item about invasive crayfish from the December 2012 Wild Zambezi.com newsletter. We would be very grateful, however, if you were to acknowldge us as the source… We promote tourism to the wild areas of the Zambezi Valley, including Lake Kariba. Thank you.
The article is lacking. What is the threat? How do they affect the fish population? You should have done a little more research before going to print!
They aren’t interested in the ecology.. they just want to make a few dollars… like the rest of africa… they destroy it.. rhinos, elephants.. and all the other game species unfortunatly this applies to all governments in africa. can’t see the wood for the trees.. sorry that went over the top………………!