Perth, Western Australia – Perth Zoo is celebrating a baby Hairy Marron, described as “pea-sized perfection,” as part of a behind-the-scenes breeding effort to save this unique freshwater crayfish.

Hairy Marron are large crayfish found only in the Margaret River, but their numbers have fallen due to competition and hybridisation with the smooth marron.

To protect the species, Perth Zoo is working in a collaborative breeding program with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Behind the scenes, teams are currently watching over 94 craylings this season as part of this species-saving work.

These critically endangered crustaceans begin life as small as a pea, but can grow up to 38 centimetres long when fully matured.

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