Crayfish may be small, but they can send a big message, telling scientists a lot about the state of the environment in which they live. The southeastern Appalachian Mountains are one of two major crayfish hot spots in the world, yet little research has been done to catalog or understand the varieties of species along the Parkway. The Foundation will provide funding for a survey of these freshwater crustaceans to be conducted by Appalachian State University in conjunction with the National Park Service to identify existing species and immediate threats along the Parkway in North Carolina.
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