Historical and current distribution of Appalachian primary burrowing crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacoidea: Cambaridae) in western Pennsylvania: a century of change or stasis?

作者：Loughman Zachary J^*; Lieb David A; Scott R Katie; Dillard Zachary W; Sadecky Nicole M

来源：Journal of Crustacean Biology, 2017, 37(5): 535-543.

DOI：10.1093/jcbiol/rux050

• biogeography
• conservation
• invasive species

Burrowing crayfishes are important keystone species and ecosystem engineers in the Appalachian region of the United States. Although collecting efforts in Pennsylvania have increased over the past decade, most surveys have focused on epigean species in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The fauna of western Pennsylvania has not received the same level of effort, although the majority of the species in the state are found in this region. In particular, the distribution and conservation status of burrowing crayfishes in the region represents the greatest void in our knowledge of the state's crayfish fauna. In order to rectify this situation, surveys of burrowing crayfishes were initiated across the region in 2014 and 2015. In addition to historical collection sites, new sites harboring microhabitats conducive to burrowing crayfishes were also sampled. Burrowing crayfishes were collected using excavation and baited lines. Of the 61 historical sites that were resampled, 20% maintained populations of burrowing crayfishes. Of the 57 new sites that were sampled, 72% supported populations. Burrowing crayfishes were found in 45% of the 118 sites sampled. All three species (Cambarus dubius, C. monongalensis, and C. thomai) were recorded during our surveys, with each species allied to a particular physiographic region, and found in the general area where they were discovered a century ago. Urbanization had a negative effect on burrowing crayfishes over the past century, and green spaces proved to be important islands of habitat in urbanized landscapes.

• 出版日期2017-9