Pygmy crayfish (Procyon pygmaeus) is one of the smallest members of the crustacean family. This rare and endemic species is found only on the island of Cozumel near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
Classification and scientific name
• The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
• Type: Chordal (Chordata)
• Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
• Row: Carnivores (Carnivora)
• Family: Crustaceans (Procyonidae)
• Gender: Rakun (Procyon)
• View: Procyon pygmaeus
Physical characteristics
📌 Dimensions and weight
- Body length: 60-90 cm (with tail)
- Weight: only 2-4 kg
🎨 Colors and features
✔ Gray or gray-brown fur
✔ Black "mask" around the eyes
✔ Tail with dark rings
Range and habitat
🔵 Spread
✔ Only the island of Cozumel (Mexico)
🔴 Living environment
✔ Moist tropical forests
✔ Mangroves
✔ Often found near fresh water sources
Lifestyle and behavior
🌟 Social structure
✔ Usually leads a solitary lifestyle
✔ Territorial animals
🌟 Activity time
✔ Nighttime activity
✔ During the day, it hides in holes, hollows or among tree roots
Food and hunting
🍖 The main meal
- Fruit
- Insects
- Crustaceans
* Bird eggs
🍴 Methods of obtaining food
✔ Uses its nimble feet
✔ Search for food in water, sand, and vegetation
Reproduction and life cycle
❤️ Mating season: Spring
❤️ Pregnancy: 60-73 days
❤️ Number of cubs: 2-4
❤️ Life span: up to 13 years in the wild
Natural enemies and threats
⚠ The main enemies:
✔ Birds of prey
✔ Snakes
✔ Pets (on the island)
⚠ Human threats:
✔ Destruction of habitat
✔ Diseases brought by people
✔ Tourism and infrastructure development
Interesting facts about the Pygmy crayfish
✔ It is one of the smallest crayfish in the world
✔ It is a critically endangered species according to the IUCN classification
✔ Its population is estimated at less than 300 individuals
✔ First recognized as a separate species only in 1996
Conclusion
The Pygmy crayfish is a unique, tiny creature that needs our attention and protection. As an inhabitant of only one island, it is a symbol of the fragility of ecosystems and our responsibility to preserve biodiversity. 🌿🦝
