Chinese Mitten Crabs

There have recently been dozens of new reports of the invasive non-native Chinese mitten crab as they migrate downstream to waters of higher salinity in preparation to breed, sometimes travelling across land to reach their destination. Our furry friends have been appearing in back gardens and allotments across the country with one appearing outside a Sheffield pub and another spending the day at the Italian fountains in Kensington Gardens!

Identifiable by their brown furry, white tipped claws, the Chinese mitten crab is the only freshwater crab found in the UK and, on a more serious note, causes extensive damage to our river banks, modifying habitats and competing with native wildlife. They are classed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and it is important that we monitor their distribution.

Posted on 07 December, 2023 11:05 by julbun