Meet the crayfish species named after NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden

German researcher Christian Lukhaup and his colleagues, who gave the name to the new crayfish species, clearly wrote in the study.

The researchers described the recently found species in an article published on Monday in the journal ZooKeys.

While continuing to fight for privacy rights of individuals online from his secure location in Russian Federation, Edward Snowden now at least has someone – or something – providing a namesake distraction, at least on the bottom of rivers of New Guinea.

The study stated that the new species were exported from Sorong, Indonesia, in 2006, captured by an unknown local collector from Kepala Burung for ornamental purposes in West Papua, Indonesia, and imported to the Aquarium Dietzenbach in Germany.

In possible proof that scientists are indeed human, complete with political views, researchers have named a new species of crayfish after NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. This crayfish measures about three to four inches in length and has a green and orange pinchers.

The color and coloration pattern is different but genetically or morphologically, Cherax Snowden is very similar to Cherax holthuisi. However, in order to better understand the distribution of the Cherax snowden species, more collection research is required, the statement noted. The authors speak of him as an “American freedom fighter” with “achievements in defence of justice, and freedom”.

In 2013, Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor, leaked documents that revealed the extent of the agency’s surveillance programs.

However, not unlike Snowden who is now living in asylum in Moscow to avoid prosecution, the crayfish also faces serious risks.

Local collectors are also reporting a decrease in the population of new species in the last few years. The freshwater crayfish is being collected in large numbers for both the ornamental fish global market and for food for the locals.

Collecting them for the aquarium is not a sustainable practice, they warn, and if the popularity of the species continues, they may need a conservation management plan to help it survive.