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Publication
Invasive dynamics of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus in a protected area
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Invasive species have been drivers of
biodiversity loss and functional changes in aquatic
ecosystems, including in protected areas. Therefore,
monitoring population invasion dynamics and biological
traits is fundamental to better understand their
ecological and economic impacts and for management
actions development. We followed signal crayfish
(Pacifastacus leniusculus) invasion in Rabaçal
River upper reach at Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal. We collected information on the spread
and biological traits (abundance, size, weight, physical
condition, sex ratio, and aggressiveness) to assess
differences between invasion core and front areas and
among years. Signal crayfish population remained
restricted since first reports in 2013 in the invasion
core until 2017. After 2019, signal crayfish population
has been spreading downstream, decreasing
abundance at invasion core but increasing at invasion
front. Significant higher number of crayfish with claw
loss indicate potential higher signs of aggressiveness
in the invasion front. Results also demonstrate a
significant dominance of females although sex ratio
is closer to 1:1 at the invasion front. Overall, results
indicate signal crayfish is spreading and increasing
their abundance at Rabaçal River highlighting the
need for immediate management actions to hold dispersion
and mitigate possible impacts.
Description
Keywords
Population dynamics Invasive nonnative species Autecology Establishment Spread Traits
Citation
Carvalho, Francisco; Alves, Henrique; Pascoal, Cláudia; Castro, Paulo; Miranda, Fernando; Teixeira, Amílcar; Cássio, Fernanda; Sousa, Ronaldo (2024). Invasive dynamics of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus in a protected area. Hydrobiologia. ISSN 0018-8158
Publisher
Springer Nature