engleski

The status of Astacus astacus in the northernmost part of Croatia (Međimurje County) in the face of invasion by Pacifastacus leniusculus (Crustacea: Astacidae)

Astacus astacus is one of the 4 native crayfish species inhabiting Croatian freshwaters. Its existence in the catchments of the Drava and the Mura river in the northernmost part of Croatia is endangered by the recent presence of the invasive Pacifastacus leniusculus, which is spreading rapidly through the Mura into the Drava River. The distribution of A. astacus within the two catchments and its relative population abundance and size structure have been examined and compared with literature data. We found the species almost exclusively in isolated waterbodies of anthropogenic origin (gravel pits). Taking into account distribution data for the past 3 years, it can be argued that A. astacus populations are declining. Obtained results highlight the urgency of development of measures for protection of A. astacus populations in this region.

Decapoda; Crustacea; Croatia; distribution; population status; invasive species

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