Researchers rejoice at rediscovery of tiny Tasmanian crayfish thought to be extinct By Alexandra Alvaro ThuThursday 21 The small crayfish were found in the creeks that lead to Lake Burbury. ( Share Print text only Cancel It was relatively early in his career when crayfish expert Alastair Richardson encountered the short-tailed rain crayfish. Key points: A research trip recently found six crayfish living in the creeks leading to Lake Burbury The main threat the animals could now face is climate change He found a few back in the 70s, while doing some collecting in the old King River Valley in Tasmania's remote west.