JOURNAL ARTICLE

Does the narrow-clawed crayfish, Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Astacidae), contribute to the decline of the noble crayfish, Astacus astacus Linnaeus, 1758 in the Belarusian Lakeland?

  • Published In: Journal of Crustacean Biology, 2024, v. 44, n. 4. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Environment Complete 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Śliwińska, Karolina; Alekhnovich, Anatoly 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the conservation status and distribution dynamics of the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) in the Belarusian Lakeland, highlighting its decline and displacement by the narrow-clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus). Surveys from 1993 to 2022 show that A. astacus now inhabits only 23 of 44 previously known sites, with P. leptodactylus occupying many former A. astacus habitats and coexisting in a few. The study provides the first field evidence of progressive displacement of A. astacus by P. leptodactylus, a species native to the Ponto-Caspian region but considered indigenous in Belarus due to historical introductions. The authors emphasize the need for further research on the ecological impact and invasive potential of P. leptodactylus, given its expansion and possible threat to native biodiversity.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Crustacean Biology. 2024/12, Vol. 44, Issue 4, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0278-0372
  • DOI:10.1093/jcbiol/ruae069
  • Accession Number:181971023
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