Journal
LIMNOLOGICA
Volume 43, Issue 3, Pages 143-150Publisher
ELSEVIER GMBH
DOI: 10.1016/j.limno.2012.07.008
Keywords
Austropotamobius torrentium; Conservation; Distribution; Ecological preferences; Endangered species; Habitat fragmentation; Indigenous crayfish; Invasive crayfish
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Funding
- University Research National Council Agency of Romania (CNCS-UEFISCDI) [PCE-4 1458/2008]
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The stone crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium is one of three indigenous crayfish species in Romania. Extensive research to assess the conservation status of this highly protected species is overdue in this country. Presently, the populations are concentrated in two distinct regions, the southwest and northwest of the country. Most populations were found living in habitats with little anthropic impact. Using logistic and negative binomial regression models, we determined the ecological preferences of the species. The most favourable conditions suggest an equilibrium between the availability of dissolved oxygen, moderate river velocity, and low concentration of organic pollutants. Due to these ecological requirements, the species is generally restricted to sub-montane areas (around 500 m a.s.l.) leading to a high degree of population fragmentation. The spectrum of limitations is completed by invasive species and the crayfish plague agent Aphanomyces astaci. Contact with non-indigenous Orconectes limosus and the crayfish plague is a real threat, especially to the populations inhabiting the order I tributaries of the Danube, in southwestern Romania. We recommend that the Romanian stone crayfish A. torrentium be taken into consideration as an endangered species. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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