Meet Stygobromus Hayi, a rare species of crustacean commonly known as Hay's Spring amphipod. Isn’t she cute!
The small, blind creature is an endangered species and can ONLY be found in certain areas of Rock Creek Park. It is hard to spot because it’s clear, shy, and makes its home in the groundwater and wet leaves by the creek bed.
The amphipod was discovered by Leslie Hubricht in the 1930s, who named it after local high school biology teacher William Perry Hay. Since then, pollution and heavy metals present in the creek water have destroyed its habitat.
Rock Creek Park. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
However, wildlife experts recently adopted a recovery plan to learn more about the little guys and how to revive them. They hope the plan will get the amphipod off the endangered species list and reintegrate it into the park's ecosystem.
