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Distribution and management of the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium Schrank) in the streams of the Nature Park Medvednica

The stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank)) is one of the four native European crayfish species living in Croatian freshwaters. It is considered as an endangered species, mainly due to the various anthropogenic impacts. This species is well adapted to lower water temperature and velocities typical for streams at higher altitudes. Mount Medvednica is situated in north-western part of Croatia. The western part of the Mount Medvednica was declared a Nature Park in 1981. Around 75 waterbodies are scattered around Park area. With the aim to establish detailed distribution of the stone crayfish in the NP Medvednica, inventarisation was conducted in 2010 and afterwards monitoring were carried out in 2012 and 2015 resulting with the detail distribution data and management plan for the species. In 2010 altogether 71 locations on 52 streams were investigated through trapping and hand catch, while during 2012 and 2015 around 15 new streams and side streams were monitored as well. Sites included those in pristine state as well as heavily modified or polluted lower courses of certain streams. At each site, we performed a detailed characterization of each habitat and recorded basic physical and chemical parameters. The results of this extensive study show that 57% of streams (43 streams) in NP Medvednica were inhabited by crayfish. There were no crayfish in pluuted lower courses of streams located in inhabited parts of the NP. Among streams which were modified by minor hydrotechnical interventions (53% of investigated streams), 68% were inhabited by stone crayfish. Results of this study were used in stone crayfish management plan in NP Medvednica. Protection measures began in 20120 and included waste removal from the stream bed, educational activities related to the stone crayfish such as educational tables alongside educational trails, leaflets and workshops for stakeholders.

stone crayfish; distribution; management; nature park

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