engleski

The Indigenous Crayfish of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

The Plitvice Lakes National Park (NP) is situated in the mountainous karst area of Central Croatia. Crayfish research within the NP borders was sporadic in the past and there is no reliable data on the state of the Astacofauna. Continuous crayfish research within the NP was conducted between 2002 and 2005. Two European crayfish species were recorded, namely Astacus astacus and Austropotamobius torrentium. Astacus astacus was recorded from 17 localities, mainly in lotic habitats by the travertine dams. Austropotamobius torrentium was recorded from only five localities, in the small streams feeding the lakes. In addition, at three localities, mixed populations of the two species were recorded, presumably the presence of A. astacus is of anthropogenic origin. All of the obtained results on the distribution, ecology and dynamics of A. astacus and A. torrentium are fundamental for the development of management strategies, with the aim of better protection for crayfish under circumstances where there is increasing anthropogenic pressure on different habitats within the NP.

distribution; dynamic; management; noble crayfish; stone crayfish

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