As per reports, three German scientists have named a newly found species after Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor who leaked classified information about vast government surveillance programs.

The researchers described the recently found species in an article published on Monday in the journal ZooKeys. Christian Lukhaup, one of the researchers, said, "We have so many species named after other famous people who probably don't do so much for humanity. I wanted to show support for Edward Snowden. I think what he did is something very special".

The Cherax snowden previously had been misidentified as a similar species. Cherax snowden lives in freshwaters creeks in West Papau, Indonesia. This crayfish measures about three to four inches in length and has a green and orange pinchers.

As per researchers, like its namesake, the crayfish has also travelled a bit, Edward Snowden is currently living in asylum in Russia to avoid prosecution, and the crayfish has been exported to Europe, East Asia and North America as a colorful pet. The under-the-sea Snowden hides under rocks to avoid its biggest threat i.e. collectors.

According to local collectors, the populations of the species have been decreasing in the last few years. The large scale collecting of these crayfish for the trade is not a sustainable practice, and if the popularity of the species continues, a conservation management plan will have to be developed, potentially including a captive breeding program.

Lukhaup's decision arose from his desire to honor Snowden whom he describes as an American freedom fighter, worthy of respect for his extraordinary achievements in defense of justice, and freedom.