AN APPEAL to save one of the UK's most endangered native species has reached its fundraising target.
Marwell Zoo, in Colden Common, launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to help save the white-clawed crayfish, with plans to open a breeding centre at the zoo.
Marwell took part in the Big Give's Green Match Fund and for one week only, all donations were matched by Big Give Champion Funder – The Postcode Green Trust. The appeal closed at midday on Thursday, April 25 - and it has raised £20,380.
Head of fundraising, Michelle Duma, said: “Thanks to the generous support of businesses and individuals who rallied to “support our claws” we are thrilled to announce that we hit our initial target overnight just before the fund match deadline."
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White-clawed crayfish are incredibly important to chalk streams, like the two in Hampshire with the River Itchen and River Test, although their population has drastically declined since the 1970s as a result of habitat loss, pollution, disease and invasive species.
In the wild, the species acts as an important “clean-up crew” and food source for animals, including swans and otters who build their homes on these important waterways. Without them, the delicate natural balance could be under threat.
With the help of the community, Marwell is planning to open a brand new breeding centre at the zoo. Using the organisation’s expertise in animal welfare, husbandry, and conservation science, the teams will rear and care for the species prior to their release in Hampshire.
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Guests at the zoo will be able to visit the centre and see first-hand the exciting project that they funded come to life. Inside the centre, there will be opportunities to see the crayfish up close, observe the team’s work, and learn all about this small but mighty species.
Director of animal care at Marwell Zoo, Dr Will Justice, said: “Marwell is probably best known for its more exotic animals and for our conservation work with big cats, Grevy’s zebra and Scimitar-horned oryx, but we’ve been working for over 30 years to support the recovery of nature and wildlife here in Hampshire and across the south coast too.
“White-clawed crayfish are a really important UK species. Our project is an opportunity for us to utilise the expertise and skills we have here at Marwell both in terms of animal management, welfare and husbandry but also in conservation science, education and impact.
"Together with our supporters and through the Green Match Fund, we can help to protect and save part of our own natural heritage. Making a difference to wildlife on our own doorstep.”
More information about the campaign can be found at marwell.org.uk
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