A Secret in the Stream

This painting depicts an Astacopsis gouldi in a clear stream. The crayfish is holding a straw in its claw. The straw may look like food to the crayfish, but it is actually rubbish left behind by humans. The crayfish could be hurt if it mistakes the straw for food. Even though the stream looks clean, rubbish can still be dangerous to animals living in the water. Another factor contributing to the decline of these crayfish is habitat destruction. Their living environments are being damaged, which puts them at risk of becoming endangered. I wanted to show that even one small piece of rubbish can be harmful to wildlife. If we do not take action to protect their homes, these amazing animals could face extinction.