Featured Project

Distribution and Conservation of West Virginia Crayfish

This project focuses on mapping the geographic ranges of crayfish species across the state, assessing their population health, and identifying threats to their survival. Through field surveys, genetic analysis, and habitat assessments, we aim to support conservation efforts by providing critical data to protect these ecologically important species and their environments.

Several new species descriptions have resulted from this work including Cambarus pauleyi, C. fetzneri, C. theepiensis, and C. hatfieldi.

Relevant Publications:
- Cambarus (Jugicambarus) pauleyi, a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) endemic to southcentral West Virginia, USA, with a re-description of Cambarus (J.) dubius [pdf]
- West Virginia crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae): observations on distribution, natural history, and conservation [pdf]

Featured Project

Conservation of The Big Sandy Crayfish, Cambarus callainus and the Guyandotte River Crayfish, Cambarus veteranus

The Big Sandy Crayfish and the Guyandotte River Crayfish, both native to West Virginia, are the focus of significant conservation efforts led by Dr. Loughman. These species face threats from both habitat degradation and pollution. We conduct extensive fieldwork to monitor populations, assess habitat conditions, and identify critical areas for protection. Collaborative efforts with state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have led to the listing of these crayfish as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. 

Relevant Publications:
- Cambarus (Puncticambarus) callainus, a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the Big Sandy River basin in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, USA [pdf]
- Evaluation of physicochemical and physical habitat associations for Cambarus callainus (Big Sandy crayfish), an imperilled crayfish endemic to the Central Appalachians [pdf]