RANGE EXTENSION AND STATUS UPDATE OF THE ENDANGERED HELL CREEK CAVE CRAYFISH, CAMBARUS ZOPHONASTES (DECAPODA: CAMBARIDAE)

The range of the endangered Hell Creek Cave crayfish (Cambarus zophonastes) is expanded to include a second population, determined by genetic analyses. This crayfish is still restricted to Stone County, Arkansas, and is known from only 14 individuals at Hell Creek Cave and 9 individuals at Nesbitt Spring Cave. Despite this range extension, Cambarus zophonastes remains vulnerable to extinction. Water quality sampling of Hell Creek Cave did not detect any major contamination, although numerous potential point and nonpoint source pollutants exist in the watershed. Habitat degradation remains an important threat to this species. Recovery plan implementation status and conservation activities were reviewed and recommendations made.