Conservation of Freshwater in

Author Coughran, Jason, Furse, James

Published 2012

Journal Title Research

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Griffith Research Online https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au CRUSTACEAN RESEARCH, SPECIAL NUMBER 7: 25–34, 2012 24 ET AL.

Simpkins, C. A., 2008. P e r sJ. o M. n aFur l se Review, 8: 17–18. Communication. Environmental Futures Wells, S. M., Pyle, R. M. & Collins, N. Conservation of Freshwater Crayfish in Australia Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast, M., 1983. The IUCN Invertebrate Red Australia. Data Book. 632 pp, The IUCN, Gland, Smith, G., Borsboom, a., Lloyd, R., Lees, Switzerland. ISBN 2–88032–602–X. N., & Kehl, J., 1998. Habitat changes, Wygoda, M. L., 1981. Notes on the terrestrial Jason Coughran and James M. Furse growth and abundance of juvenile activity of the crayfish Procambarus Giant Spiny Crayfish, alleni (Faxon) in West–Central Florida. hystricosus (: ), Florida Scientist, 44: 56–59. Abstract.—Recent conservation assessments crayfish are detritivorous, herbivorous in the Conondale Ranges, South–east rank the world's freshwater crayfish in the and carnivorous, and thereby act as major . Proceedings of the Linnean five most endangered groups, and the processors of organic material as shredders, Society of New South Wales, 119: 71–86. a ddresses: (JMF, JC, CHW) Australian fauna as the most endangered of all predators, collectors and grazers (i.e. acting Specht, A., 2008. Extreme natural events Environmental Futures Centre and Griffith the world's crayfish. In this paper, we introduce as shredders, Anderson & Sedell, 1979; and effects on tourism: central eastern School of Environment, Gold Coast campus, the 135 described species of freshwater crayfish in Huryn & Wallace, 1987; Parkyn et al., 1997; coast of Australia. The Cooperative Griffith University, Queensland 4222, Australia, and provide an overview of this fauna Usio & Townsend, 2001). They facilitate Centre for Sustainable Tourism Pty Ltd, Australia. (JC) Outback Ecology, 1/73 Troy and their current IUCN Red List conservation the release of energy and nutrients (Momot, status. The Australian crayfish fauna is almost 66 pp, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Terrace, Jolimont, , 6014. 1995), and act as “geomorphic agents” entirely endemic, and displays enormous variation through bioturbation of sediments (Statzner Queensland, Australia. Email: (JMF) [email protected], in biology, distribution and ecology. Some viosca, R., 1939. Where to fish in Louisiana (JC) [email protected], et al., 2000; 2003) and pedoturbation of Australian species are the world's fastest growing, soils (Richardson, 1983; Stone, 1993). These (for crawfish). Louisiana Conservation (CHW) [email protected] most highly fecund and widely distributed natural activities of freshwater crayfish are , and are tolerant of extreme variation in environmental conditions. Conversely, Australia examples of “ecosystem engineering” (sensu is also home to many crayfish that are remarkably Jones et al., 1994). Crayfish can occur in high abundance slow growing, late maturing and poorly fecund. –2 Many species have highly restricted distributions (densities of up to 77 m have been recorded and require specific environmental conditions for limosus (Rafinesque) in that restrict them to particular areas and habitat Europe (Nystrom, 2002)), and they can types. These crayfish face a wide range of existing dominate biomass in aquatic ecosystems and emerging threats, and we discuss the research (Mason, 1975; Huryn & Wallace, 1987; imperatives, practical actions, legislative changes Momot, 1995; Nystrom, 2002). Therefore, and collaboration required to facilitate the given the range of ecological services they recovery of crayfish populations. provide, crayfish often play major roles in shaping the aquatic habitats in which they occur. They are therefore recognised as INTRODUCTION “Keystone Species” (Hart, 1992; Krebs, 1994; Collier et al., 1997; Lodge et al., 2000; Why Conserve Crayfish? Nature, 2009). There are many reasons to care about However, the ecosystem services provided and conserve freshwater crayfish including by crayfish may only become apparent when cultural, social, aesthetic and economic a species is removed or eliminated from reasons (Holdich, 2002a; 2002b; Horwitz, the habitat. One such example involves the 2010); there are also a number of very loss of Astacus astacus (Linnaeus) from compelling biological and ecological reasons ponds in Sweden by the crayfish plague to conserve these . (Aphanomyces astaci Schikora) in 1964. The ecological roles of freshwater Abrahamsson (1966) reported dramatic crayfish are reasonably well understood changes to the aquatic flora and fauna of the after some decades of study, and they are ponds, apparently attributable to the loss of recognised as having an important and rather the crayfish. Submerged aquatic macrophyte unique position in aquatic food webs (Hogger, growth increased to the extent that the 1988). Being completely polytrophic surface of the ponds were, on occasions, CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 27 26 26 covered by plant growth. DramaticJ. increasesCoughran ¯ophytes, J. M. Furse and in the case of P. clarkii, quadricarinatus and C. destructor) have It was encouraging that 53% of species in abundance of molluscs, leeches and ecological and economic damage to rice proven to be ecologically aggressive and were Near Threatened or not yet of any tadpoles were also evident (Abrahamsson, fields in California, Spain and Japan (Lodge capable of displacing other species when immediate conservation concern, however 1966). Similar ecological responses to et al., 1985; Hogger, 1988; Huner, 1988). translocated outside their native ranges this is not indicative of an improving mass mortalities of crayfish have been (Coughran & Leckie, 2007; Coughran et al., conservation situation, rather an initial subsequently noted by other workers in The Freshwater Crayfish of Australia 2009; Coughran & Furse, 2010; Furse & baseline evaluation. Many of these species Sweden (Unestam, 1973) and Ireland Australia is second only to North America Coughran, 2011c; Leland et al., 2012). will require on–going monitoring or further (Matthews & Reynolds, 1992). in species richness, with more than 135 The Australian fauna also contains assessment in the future. Similarly, when freshwater crayfish are crayfish species from 10 genera (Table 1). some of the most conspicuous and When evaluated at lower levels (e.g. introduced outside of their native ranges (and This includes at least five of the world’s charismatic species, some feature striking regional or taxonomic levels such as genera) natural controlling mechanisms), many (and largest species (in the genera , colouration including vivid blues and reds, the 2010 Red List reveals some concerning often severe) unanticipated consequences Euastacus and ), one of the world’s and fluorescent orange (e.g. Euastacus indications, in particular highlighting may become evident. Introductions of smallest (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus Riek), sulcatus Riek, Euastacus fleckeri (Watson) species/groups of crayfish at serious risk Orconectes rusticus (Girard), and some of the most productive aquaculture and Euastacus australasiensis (H. Milne– of . For instance, the Australian leniusculus (Dana), and Procambarus clarkii candidates (i.e. (Smith), Edwards)) (Merrick, 1993; Jones & Morgan, Euastacus are the most threatened of all (Girard) outside of their native ranges have (von Martens) 2002; Coughran, 2006; Furse & Coughran, crayfish with ~80% (40 of 50 species) led to reproductive failure of large freshwater and Cherax destructor Clark) (Riek, 1951; 2011a). Critically Endangered or Endangered. The fish species (due to crayfish consuming Morgan, 1986; 1988; 1997; Momot, 1995; sole of Tenuibranchiurus fish eggs), reduced abundance of aquatic Holdich, 2002a). Some species (notably C. Conservation Assessments: The IUCN and is facing a number threats that could the Invertebrates conceivably lead to the rapid extirpation of The invertebrates have typically been an either of its two small, isolated populations overlooked group of animals. The publication Table 1. Summary of the Australian Freshwater Crayfish Fauna (Data: In part IUCN) via a “local disaster” (Merrick, 1995), such of the IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book by as an oil or chemical spill (Coughran et al., Wells et al. (1983) brought the imperilled Percent In 2008). IUCN status (and threats) of many invertebrate Number of Distribution Red List Comments species and their conservation needs to the Threats to Australian Freshwater Crayfish Species Threatened world’s attention. At that time, five species of One of the many important contributions Categories* freshwater crayfish were included on the Red of the original IUCN Invertebrate Red List. Four species were listed as Vulnerable: Data Book (Wells et al., 1983) was the Astacopsis 3 30% Includes the largest species in the world (A. gouldi) A. astacus (Europe), Astacopsis gouldi Clark identification and evaluation of the key Cherax 24 All States on 23%** Includes some very large and ecologically (Australia), Orconectes shoupi Hobbs and threats to invertebrates. Four key threats mainland Australia aggressive species that have been widely Pacifastacus fortis (Faxon) (both USA), translocated and one species as Rare: Austropotamobius 35 and 29% An unusual group of small, obligate burrowing pallipes Lereboullet (Europe) (Wells et al., Tasmania crayfish Table 2. Summary of 2010 IUCN Red List Assessment 1983). of the Freshwater Crayfish (after IUCN, 2011) 5 Western Australia 60% An unusual group of small, obligate burrowing In 2010, 528 species were included in crayfish the first global assessment of the freshwater Number of Species Euastacus 50 Southeastern 80% Australia’s largest genus, includes the second (by year of assessment) mainland largest species in the world (E. armatus). The crayfish versus IUCN Red List Criteria world’s most endangered genus of crayfish (Table 2). From this we conclude that the IUCN (Dewhurst, 2010 personal communication) world’s freshwater crayfish are a highly Category 1996 2009 2010 Type of Category Geocharax 2 Victoria and 50% A poorly understood group threatened group of animals (25% of all Extinct 4 Tasmania species are in IUCN threat categories, or Critically Threatened Gramastacus 1 Southeastern 0% A poorly understood group extinct) and have been overlooked in the past Endangered 1 45 (or Extinct) mainland (22% of species were so poorly understood Endangered 1 61 Ombrastacoides 11 Tasmania 27% All are burrowing species, some have highly restricted distributions (i.e. (DD)) that conservation Vulnerable 1 1 30 assessments were not possible. Many of Spinastacoides 3 Tasmania 0% All are burrowing species with widespread Near distributions these DD species are known to be impacted Threatened 34 Non–Threatened Tenuibranchiurus 1 Central–eastern 100% Australia's smallest freshwater crayfish by numerous threats, and are of considerable Least mainland conversation concern (e.g. Euastacus Concern 28 243 Non–Threatened armatus von Martens, see Coughran & Furse, Data *The IUCN Red List Threatened Categories include: Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable. Deficient 2 11 111 Not Assessable **Only 13 of the 24 Cherax species were included in the 2010 Red List Assessment. Three of the 13 species 2010), and yet a lack of data does not allow assessed were in Threatened Categories conservation assessments. Total 4 41 528 CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 27 26 27 covered by plant growth. DramaticJ. increasesCoughran ¯ophytes, J. M. Furse and in the case of P. clarkii, quadricarinatus and C. destructor) have It was encouraging that 53% of species in abundance of molluscs, leeches and ecological and economic damage to rice proven to be ecologically aggressive and were Near Threatened or not yet of any tadpoles were also evident (Abrahamsson, fields in California, Spain and Japan (Lodge capable of displacing other species when immediate conservation concern, however 1966). Similar ecological responses to et al., 1985; Hogger, 1988; Huner, 1988). translocated outside their native ranges this is not indicative of an improving mass mortalities of crayfish have been (Coughran & Leckie, 2007; Coughran et al., conservation situation, rather an initial subsequently noted by other workers in The Freshwater Crayfish of Australia 2009; Coughran & Furse, 2010; Furse & baseline evaluation. Many of these species Sweden (Unestam, 1973) and Ireland Australia is second only to North America Coughran, 2011c; Leland et al., 2012). will require on–going monitoring or further (Matthews & Reynolds, 1992). in species richness, with more than 135 The Australian fauna also contains assessment in the future. Similarly, when freshwater crayfish are crayfish species from 10 genera (Table 1). some of the most conspicuous and When evaluated at lower levels (e.g. introduced outside of their native ranges (and This includes at least five of the world’s charismatic species, some feature striking regional or taxonomic levels such as genera) natural controlling mechanisms), many (and largest species (in the genera Astacopsis, colouration including vivid blues and reds, the 2010 Red List reveals some concerning often severe) unanticipated consequences Euastacus and Cherax), one of the world’s and fluorescent orange (e.g. Euastacus indications, in particular highlighting may become evident. Introductions of smallest (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus Riek), sulcatus Riek, Euastacus fleckeri (Watson) species/groups of crayfish at serious risk Orconectes rusticus (Girard), Pacifastacus and some of the most productive aquaculture and Euastacus australasiensis (H. Milne– of extinction. For instance, the Australian leniusculus (Dana), and Procambarus clarkii candidates (i.e. Cherax tenuimanus (Smith), Edwards)) (Merrick, 1993; Jones & Morgan, Euastacus are the most threatened of all (Girard) outside of their native ranges have Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) 2002; Coughran, 2006; Furse & Coughran, crayfish with ~80% (40 of 50 species) led to reproductive failure of large freshwater and Cherax destructor Clark) (Riek, 1951; 2011a). Critically Endangered or Endangered. The fish species (due to crayfish consuming Morgan, 1986; 1988; 1997; Momot, 1995; sole Endangered species of Tenuibranchiurus fish eggs), reduced abundance of aquatic Holdich, 2002a). Some species (notably C. Conservation Assessments: The IUCN and is facing a number threats that could the Invertebrates conceivably lead to the rapid extirpation of The invertebrates have typically been an either of its two small, isolated populations overlooked group of animals. The publication Table 1. Summary of the Australian Freshwater Crayfish Fauna (Data: In part IUCN) via a “local disaster” (Merrick, 1995), such of the IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book by as an oil or chemical spill (Coughran et al., Wells et al. (1983) brought the imperilled Percent In 2008). IUCN status (and threats) of many invertebrate Genus Number of Distribution Red List Comments species and their conservation needs to the Threats to Australian Freshwater Crayfish Species Threatened world’s attention. At that time, five species of One of the many important contributions Categories* freshwater crayfish were included on the Red of the original IUCN Invertebrate Red List. Four species were listed as Vulnerable: Data Book (Wells et al., 1983) was the Astacopsis 3 Tasmania 30% Includes the largest species in the world (A. gouldi) A. astacus (Europe), Astacopsis gouldi Clark identification and evaluation of the key Cherax 24 All States on 23%** Includes some very large and ecologically (Australia), Orconectes shoupi Hobbs and threats to invertebrates. Four key threats mainland Australia aggressive species that have been widely Pacifastacus fortis (Faxon) (both USA), translocated and one species as Rare: Austropotamobius Engaeus 35 Victoria and 29% An unusual group of small, obligate burrowing pallipes Lereboullet (Europe) (Wells et al., Tasmania crayfish Table 2. Summary of 2010 IUCN Red List Assessment 1983). of the Freshwater Crayfish (after IUCN, 2011) Engaewa 5 Western Australia 60% An unusual group of small, obligate burrowing In 2010, 528 species were included in crayfish the first global assessment of the freshwater Number of Species Euastacus 50 Southeastern 80% Australia’s largest genus, includes the second (by year of assessment) mainland largest species in the world (E. armatus). The crayfish versus IUCN Red List Criteria world’s most endangered genus of crayfish (Table 2). From this we conclude that the IUCN (Dewhurst, 2010 personal communication) world’s freshwater crayfish are a highly Category 1996 2009 2010 Type of Category Geocharax 2 Victoria and 50% A poorly understood group threatened group of animals (25% of all Extinct 4 Tasmania species are in IUCN threat categories, or Critically Threatened Gramastacus 1 Southeastern 0% A poorly understood group extinct) and have been overlooked in the past Endangered 1 45 (or Extinct) mainland (22% of species were so poorly understood Endangered 1 61 Ombrastacoides 11 Tasmania 27% All are burrowing species, some have highly restricted distributions (i.e. Data Deficient (DD)) that conservation Vulnerable 1 1 30 assessments were not possible. Many of Spinastacoides 3 Tasmania 0% All are burrowing species with widespread Near distributions these DD species are known to be impacted Threatened 34 Non–Threatened Tenuibranchiurus 1 Central–eastern 100% Australia's smallest freshwater crayfish by numerous threats, and are of considerable Least mainland conversation concern (e.g. Euastacus Concern 28 243 Non–Threatened armatus von Martens, see Coughran & Furse, Data *The IUCN Red List Threatened Categories include: Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable. Deficient 2 11 111 Not Assessable **Only 13 of the 24 Cherax species were included in the 2010 Red List Assessment. Three of the 13 species 2010), and yet a lack of data does not allow assessed were in Threatened Categories conservation assessments. Total 4 41 528 CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 29 28 28 were identified: 1) Habitat Destruction,J. Coughran 2) &eliminate J. M. Furse an entire species. The Critically Since the initial treatise by Wells et al. Euastacus jagabar Coughran) (Furse et al., Pollution, 3) Exotic Species, and 4) Human Endangered Euastacus maidae Riek is one (1983), a new threat category to freshwater 2012). crayfish has become apparent. Increased Exploitation. This suite of common threats such species occupying a single stream, Steps to Conservation of Australian Fresh- are well known, well understood and impact located in a valley downstream from a environmental temperatures and changes to climatic conditions and weather patterns water Crayfish much of the world’s biota. However, the small township. The stream and township Ultimately, the goal of conservation 2010 Red List highlighted some important are located in a mountainous region prone represent serious threats to many species, and in some cases may exacerbate the previously efforts is to see threatened species restored considerations regarding freshwater crayfish, to very high levels of episodic rainfalls, to a healthy status. In the following sections particularly restricted range species and those leaving the species particularly vulnerable to outlined threats. Restricted range species in isolated we will discuss some of the areas that we exploited by humans. accidental pollution, including via a major consider to be important steps for successful The most recent Red List assessment landslide and siltation event. pockets of habitat (i.e. montane species, with little or no capacity to retreat to cooler, conservation of the Australian species: the highlighted the precarious situation of many Exotic species (including other crayfish) importance of increased and more specific species with highly restricted ranges and/ are a considerable threat to restricted range higher habitat) are at particular risk from increased environmental temperature research, the need to establish adequate or occupying single localities. In many freshwater crayfish. The loss of widespread formal recognition of threatened crayfish, cases, these restricted species occur in close and/or formerly common native crayfish (Horwitz, 1990; 2010; Furse & Coughran, 2011b). As poikilotherms, the long term and practical measures needed to alleviate the proximity to urban development, agricultural species due to exotic species (including other aforementioned threats facing these crayfish. encroachment or other anthropogenic crayfish) has been documented in various survival of cool–adapted crayfish that are pressures (e.g. highway construction, places (Lodge et al., 1985; 1994; Leland unable to acclimate or retreat to cooler Research Gaps forestry). These species face a considerably et al., 2012), and in the Australian context, habitats is doubtful. Similarly, many species To adequately protect and manage elevated risk of extinction from destruction mobile species such as foxes, pigs, goats, are associated with specific habitat types endangered crayfish, it is vital that several of habitat. cats and cane toads are very serious threats (especially vegetation types) and it has been key knowledge gaps are addressed (and The primary burrowing crayfish ('primary to the rare and isolated populations of native established that forest types will “shift” due funded). The most fundamental of these burrowers', Horwitz & Richardson, 1986) species. We consider the single population to changes in temperature and rainfall (e.g. gaps is that of basic –we are still in the genus Engaewa (from Western of Euastacus dharawalus Morgan to be at from rainforest to sclerophyllous Hilbert a long way from identifying the species of Australia) are a good example of species that serious risk of extinction in the near term et al., 2001; Hughes, 2003). This is a very crayfish that occur in the wild. There are appear to be almost completely reliant on due to competition pressure from the more serious threat to restricted range habitat– several new species that have been identified their extensive and deep burrow networks. aggressive C. destructor (Coughran et al., specialist species. during field surveys, yet still await formal Although these obligate burrowers (Horwitz 2009; Coughran & Furse, 2010; Coughran & Some regions of Australia are predicted to description. For example, we are aware of & Adams, 2000) spend much of their Daly, 2012). receive less rainfall, resulting in less water in at least 20 taxa from eastern Australia that time underground, and are to some degree Many Australian crayfish are slow aquatic systems and potentially more severe appear to be new species, from the genera isolated from the common suite of threats growing, late maturing, long lived (some bushfires. However, other areas are predicted Cherax (8), Engaeus (3), Euastacus (5), faced by non–burrowing species, they are live for more than 30 years) and/or are to receive more precipitation (Chiew & Gramastacus (2) and Tenuibranchiurus (2). still of considerable conservation concern. exceptionally rare (reviewed in Furse McMahon, 2002; Hughes, 2003), which Over the past decade many new species Engaewa pseudoreducta Horwitz and & Coughran, 2011a). These species are might be problematic for species in those have been described, but the preparation of Adams is classified as Critically Endangered particularly vulnerable to over–exploitation areas. Changes to weather patterns include formal descriptions has nonetheless been due to a highly restricted and fragmented by humans, for recreational consumption, more frequent and more severe weather lagging behind the rate of discovery of these distribution and a reliance on subterranean aquarium use or general specimen collection. events including floods, droughts, cyclones new species, essentially due to the lack of (or subsurface) water and their habitat In the case of species like A. gouldi, over– and storms (Hughes, 2003; IPCC, 2007; funding for basic taxonomic work. Many associations with particular soils types fishing is one of the main reasons this species Specht, 2008). Freshwater crayfish appear to of these undescribed species are likely to (Horwitz & Adams, 2000; Burnham, 2010). is now Endangered. It is not uncommon to be particularly sensitive to severe flooding be threatened, but appropriate conservation The species is absent/extirpated from its type see native crayfish species that cannot be events (Meyer et al., 2007) and a number of assessment and management cannot proceed locality and the remaining populations are legally taken from the wild in aquarium mass emersions and mass mortalities have until they are formally described. apparently threatened by water extraction/ stores, and there are forums on the internet been documented. It is also important that within species, agriculture and compaction of soil (Burnham, that feature discussion threads about illegal Reports of these events appear to important populations are identified so that 2010). collection of protected species, in some cases have been increasing in the last few years the species can be adequately conserved. Similarly, pollution is a very serious for the express purpose of domestic and (McKinnon, 1995; Parkyn & Collier, 2004; For example, recent studies on Euastacus threat to restricted range species. The habitat international supply. Most of the activities Lewis & Morris, 2008; Furse et al., 2012). diversus (a rare species originally described of many endangered species is downstream involved in this category are illegal. Increased incidence of severe weather from a limited number of specimens from roadways, residential and commercial events is of particular concern for the highly from a single, uncertain site, and not seen areas, and areas of substantial development/ Emerging Threats to Australian Freshwater restricted range species. A single severe again in the wild for almost 50 years) population growth. In these cases, a single Crayfish – Increased Environmental Temper- weather event, such as a tropical cyclone has revealed that the species occurs in pesticide, oil or “accidental” spill of ature and Changes to Climatic and Weather or severe storm, could seriously impact, or fragmented, highland habitats comprising chemicals (i.e. a road tanker accident) could Patterns conceivably even eliminate a species (e.g. CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 29 28 29 were identified: 1) Habitat Destruction,J. Coughran 2) &eliminate J. M. Furse an entire species. The Critically Since the initial treatise by Wells et al. Euastacus jagabar Coughran) (Furse et al., Pollution, 3) Exotic Species, and 4) Human Endangered Euastacus maidae Riek is one (1983), a new threat category to freshwater 2012). crayfish has become apparent. Increased Exploitation. This suite of common threats such species occupying a single stream, Steps to Conservation of Australian Fresh- are well known, well understood and impact located in a valley downstream from a environmental temperatures and changes to climatic conditions and weather patterns water Crayfish much of the world’s biota. However, the small township. The stream and township Ultimately, the goal of conservation 2010 Red List highlighted some important are located in a mountainous region prone represent serious threats to many species, and in some cases may exacerbate the previously efforts is to see threatened species restored considerations regarding freshwater crayfish, to very high levels of episodic rainfalls, to a healthy status. In the following sections particularly restricted range species and those leaving the species particularly vulnerable to outlined threats. Restricted range species in isolated we will discuss some of the areas that we exploited by humans. accidental pollution, including via a major consider to be important steps for successful The most recent Red List assessment landslide and siltation event. pockets of habitat (i.e. montane species, with little or no capacity to retreat to cooler, conservation of the Australian species: the highlighted the precarious situation of many Exotic species (including other crayfish) importance of increased and more specific species with highly restricted ranges and/ are a considerable threat to restricted range higher habitat) are at particular risk from increased environmental temperature research, the need to establish adequate or occupying single localities. In many freshwater crayfish. The loss of widespread formal recognition of threatened crayfish, cases, these restricted species occur in close and/or formerly common native crayfish (Horwitz, 1990; 2010; Furse & Coughran, 2011b). As poikilotherms, the long term and practical measures needed to alleviate the proximity to urban development, agricultural species due to exotic species (including other aforementioned threats facing these crayfish. encroachment or other anthropogenic crayfish) has been documented in various survival of cool–adapted crayfish that are pressures (e.g. highway construction, places (Lodge et al., 1985; 1994; Leland unable to acclimate or retreat to cooler Research Gaps forestry). These species face a considerably et al., 2012), and in the Australian context, habitats is doubtful. Similarly, many species To adequately protect and manage elevated risk of extinction from destruction mobile species such as foxes, pigs, goats, are associated with specific habitat types endangered crayfish, it is vital that several of habitat. cats and cane toads are very serious threats (especially vegetation types) and it has been key knowledge gaps are addressed (and The primary burrowing crayfish ('primary to the rare and isolated populations of native established that forest types will “shift” due funded). The most fundamental of these burrowers', Horwitz & Richardson, 1986) species. We consider the single population to changes in temperature and rainfall (e.g. gaps is that of basic taxonomy–we are still in the genus Engaewa (from Western of Euastacus dharawalus Morgan to be at from rainforest to sclerophyllous Hilbert a long way from identifying the species of Australia) are a good example of species that serious risk of extinction in the near term et al., 2001; Hughes, 2003). This is a very crayfish that occur in the wild. There are appear to be almost completely reliant on due to competition pressure from the more serious threat to restricted range habitat– several new species that have been identified their extensive and deep burrow networks. aggressive C. destructor (Coughran et al., specialist species. during field surveys, yet still await formal Although these obligate burrowers (Horwitz 2009; Coughran & Furse, 2010; Coughran & Some regions of Australia are predicted to description. For example, we are aware of & Adams, 2000) spend much of their Daly, 2012). receive less rainfall, resulting in less water in at least 20 taxa from eastern Australia that time underground, and are to some degree Many Australian crayfish are slow aquatic systems and potentially more severe appear to be new species, from the genera isolated from the common suite of threats growing, late maturing, long lived (some bushfires. However, other areas are predicted Cherax (8), Engaeus (3), Euastacus (5), faced by non–burrowing species, they are live for more than 30 years) and/or are to receive more precipitation (Chiew & Gramastacus (2) and Tenuibranchiurus (2). still of considerable conservation concern. exceptionally rare (reviewed in Furse McMahon, 2002; Hughes, 2003), which Over the past decade many new species Engaewa pseudoreducta Horwitz and & Coughran, 2011a). These species are might be problematic for species in those have been described, but the preparation of Adams is classified as Critically Endangered particularly vulnerable to over–exploitation areas. Changes to weather patterns include formal descriptions has nonetheless been due to a highly restricted and fragmented by humans, for recreational consumption, more frequent and more severe weather lagging behind the rate of discovery of these distribution and a reliance on subterranean aquarium use or general specimen collection. events including floods, droughts, cyclones new species, essentially due to the lack of (or subsurface) water and their habitat In the case of species like A. gouldi, over– and storms (Hughes, 2003; IPCC, 2007; funding for basic taxonomic work. Many associations with particular soils types fishing is one of the main reasons this species Specht, 2008). Freshwater crayfish appear to of these undescribed species are likely to (Horwitz & Adams, 2000; Burnham, 2010). is now Endangered. It is not uncommon to be particularly sensitive to severe flooding be threatened, but appropriate conservation The species is absent/extirpated from its type see native crayfish species that cannot be events (Meyer et al., 2007) and a number of assessment and management cannot proceed locality and the remaining populations are legally taken from the wild in aquarium mass emersions and mass mortalities have until they are formally described. apparently threatened by water extraction/ stores, and there are forums on the internet been documented. It is also important that within species, agriculture and compaction of soil (Burnham, that feature discussion threads about illegal Reports of these events appear to important populations are identified so that 2010). collection of protected species, in some cases have been increasing in the last few years the species can be adequately conserved. Similarly, pollution is a very serious for the express purpose of domestic and (McKinnon, 1995; Parkyn & Collier, 2004; For example, recent studies on Euastacus threat to restricted range species. The habitat international supply. Most of the activities Lewis & Morris, 2008; Furse et al., 2012). diversus (a rare species originally described of many endangered species is downstream involved in this category are illegal. Increased incidence of severe weather from a limited number of specimens from roadways, residential and commercial events is of particular concern for the highly from a single, uncertain site, and not seen areas, and areas of substantial development/ Emerging Threats to Australian Freshwater restricted range species. A single severe again in the wild for almost 50 years) population growth. In these cases, a single Crayfish – Increased Environmental Temper- weather event, such as a tropical cyclone has revealed that the species occurs in pesticide, oil or “accidental” spill of ature and Changes to Climatic and Weather or severe storm, could seriously impact, or fragmented, highland habitats comprising chemicals (i.e. a road tanker accident) could Patterns conceivably even eliminate a species (e.g. CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 31 30 30 morphologically and geneticallyJ. Cdistinctoughran &between J. M. Furse the various State and Territory challenge, particularly with limited resources, Acknowledgements.—We are grateful for the populations (McCormack, Coughran & governments. For example, Victoria is but with prioritisation of species and target assistance and wonderfully kind hospitality Fetzner, unpublished data). For species notably organized, with legislation that areas it is likely that further improvement is extended us by our Japanese hosts. In such as this, it is essential that conservation already recognizes many of its threatened possible in this area. particular we would like to extend our sincere plans recognize the distinctive populations species, as well as an official “advisory thanks to Dr Tadashi Kawai for organising Recovery and Monitoring our 2011 visit to Sapporo, Hokkaido that occur across the species' overall range, list” of species known or suspected to be When a threatened species is adequately particularly where some of those populations threatened but which have not yet been (Japan) so we could attend and present our understood, its status is recognised, Anniversary Lecture at the “Conservation may be facing anthropogenic threats. formally assessed for inclusion on the list. and the threats are identified and being The ecology of many species is still Other states (e.g. NSW) have yet to include of freshwater crayfish Symposium” at the managed, there may yet be an additional Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Throughout our poorly understood (or unknown), and basic any threatened crayfish under relevant need to actively encourage the recovery information is needed on distribution and conservation legislation1. Importantly, until stay we were made welcome and well looked of the species. For example, education after by Ms Notani, Dr Kawai, Dr Nonaka, habitat associations. In Australia, most this gap is addressed at the Federal and programs that increase public awareness and crayfish are very restricted in distribution, State government levels, there is simply no Mr Takaesu, Mr Tanaka, Mr Miyamoto, and appreciation would be beneficial for most the Staff of Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Our and can be classed as “short range endemics” mechanism for Local governments to enforce species. But for some very precarious species (Harvey, 2002) – species with a very narrow any actual protection measures to local professional diving friends Mr Ishikawa, Mr special intervention, through initiatives such Kitajima and Mrs. Ohtsuka provided a superb or confined distribution. However, precise settings. as captive breeding programs, are going distribution data and estimates of extent of demonstration of under–ice diving techniques Action to be important. This will also necessitate for crayfish collection at Lake Shikaribetsu occurrence are lacking for many species. research into the feasibility of restocking Information on environmental tolerances Many of the species that have been and gave sage advice on Nihonshu handling identified as threatened require specific programs where the species has become protocols. are largely unknown, and specific studies extinct or near extinct in the wild, or the wild are required to clarify relevant thresholds intervention through practical, on–ground Special thanks are due for the generous works to alleviate the threats facing them. population is otherwise deemed unviable. support provided by Mr Tanaka, without for parameters such as temperature, water/ It is also important that coordinated and moisture availability and pollutants (e.g. Examples of practical actions required range which our trip to Hokkaido would not have from habitat restoration works to managing planned monitoring programs are established been possible: we are truly thankful for your soil/sediments, nutrients and pesticides). for many species, so that the recovery can Biological information is also lacking exotic pests. Appropriate activities need to support and company. be identified by experienced biologists and be tracked and additional intervention needs This research project was supported by for most crayfish species. Information on identified. growth rates, longevity, size/age at maturity, managers, but in many cases the works will the Environmental Futures Centre, and the fecundity, mating and breeding season, diet be best achieved by a coordinated initiative Collaboration Griffith School of Environment, Griffith and general behaviour is required for all but between various stakeholders, with inputs Clearly, the current conservation status University, Gold Coast campus, Queensland, a handful of species in Australia. from management agencies, researchers, of the world’s freshwater crayfish indicates Australia. community groups and individuals. However, that this fauna is at crisis point. There is an Legislation crayfish are simply not on the radar of current alarmingly high proportion of threatened LITeRATURe CITeD To protect and manage endangered ecological networks, and it is therefore species, and a broad range of inter– species, it is essential that their threatened important that the profile of these species (and Abrahamsson, S. A. A., 1966. Dynamics of an related threats involved. Managing this isolated population of the crayfish Astacus situation is formally recognized. That may their plight) is raised with the landholder, situation will require considerable efforts seem obvious, but it is not currently the catchment management, government and astacus Linne. Oikos, 17: 96–107. to build collaboration between the various Anderson, N. H., & Sedell, J. R., 1979. Detritus case for most of the endangered Australian Non–government organization networks that stakeholders involved, from Local, State and processing by macroinvertebrates in stream crayfish species. There are different forms already exist. Federal Government agencies through to ecosystems. Annual Review of Entomology, 24: of recognition, from the global IUCN list It is also important that regulations about researchers, landholders, conservation field 351–377. down to local government or catchment fishing activities are enforced, so that species workers and funding bodies. Furthermore, Burnham, Q., 2010. Engaewa pseudoreducta. management plans. The most important at threat from exploitation and illegal fishing although the Australian fauna provides a In: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Version 2011.1). The International Union for form of recognition is through government are adequately protected. For example, many particularly dire example of the conservation legislation, and in Australia this occurs at the Euastacus are illegally targeted in growing Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. crisis, many of the problems and potential Gland, Switzerland, 2 pp. National and State government levels. The numbers, and there appears to be a need recovery steps will be loosely applicable Chiew, F., & McMahon, T., 2002. Modelling on–ground actions and recovery planning, for greater enforcement of fishing bans and to threatened crayfish in other regions of the impacts of climate change on Australian and even research and funding, all filter restrictions. We concede that this is a difficult the world. To that end, we also consider streamflow. Hydrological Processes, 16: 1235– down from formal, legislative recognition; that increased global collaboration will be 1245. essentially, without this legislative invaluable in helping abate the crisis, gaining Collier, K. J., Parkyn, S. M., & Rabeni, C. F., 1 1997. Koura: A Keystone Species? Water and recognition there is no framework in place : At the time of writing, the authors have just been a better understanding of the threats involved, Atmosphere, 5: 18–20. for the protection and recovery of a species. advised that a nomination has been submitted to and recovering crayfish populations most Unfortunately, Australia is well behind in list Euastacus dharawalus Morgan as “Critically Coughran, J., 2006. Field guide to the freshwater Endangered” under the (NSW) Fisheries Management effectively. crayfishes of Northeastern New South Wales this area, and there are striking differences Act, 1994. (Compact Disk Format). Natureview Publishing, CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 31 30 31 morphologically and geneticallyJ. Cdistinctoughran &between J. M. Furse the various State and Territory challenge, particularly with limited resources, Acknowledgements.—We are grateful for the populations (McCormack, Coughran & governments. For example, Victoria is but with prioritisation of species and target assistance and wonderfully kind hospitality Fetzner, unpublished data). For species notably organized, with legislation that areas it is likely that further improvement is extended us by our Japanese hosts. In such as this, it is essential that conservation already recognizes many of its threatened possible in this area. particular we would like to extend our sincere plans recognize the distinctive populations species, as well as an official “advisory thanks to Dr Tadashi Kawai for organising Recovery and Monitoring our 2011 visit to Sapporo, Hokkaido that occur across the species' overall range, list” of species known or suspected to be When a threatened species is adequately particularly where some of those populations threatened but which have not yet been (Japan) so we could attend and present our understood, its status is recognised, Anniversary Lecture at the “Conservation may be facing anthropogenic threats. formally assessed for inclusion on the list. and the threats are identified and being The ecology of many species is still Other states (e.g. NSW) have yet to include of freshwater crayfish Symposium” at the managed, there may yet be an additional Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Throughout our poorly understood (or unknown), and basic any threatened crayfish under relevant need to actively encourage the recovery information is needed on distribution and conservation legislation1. Importantly, until stay we were made welcome and well looked of the species. For example, education after by Ms Notani, Dr Kawai, Dr Nonaka, habitat associations. In Australia, most this gap is addressed at the Federal and programs that increase public awareness and crayfish are very restricted in distribution, State government levels, there is simply no Mr Takaesu, Mr Tanaka, Mr Miyamoto, and appreciation would be beneficial for most the Staff of Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Our and can be classed as “short range endemics” mechanism for Local governments to enforce species. But for some very precarious species (Harvey, 2002) – species with a very narrow any actual protection measures to local professional diving friends Mr Ishikawa, Mr special intervention, through initiatives such Kitajima and Mrs. Ohtsuka provided a superb or confined distribution. However, precise settings. as captive breeding programs, are going distribution data and estimates of extent of demonstration of under–ice diving techniques Action to be important. This will also necessitate for crayfish collection at Lake Shikaribetsu occurrence are lacking for many species. research into the feasibility of restocking Information on environmental tolerances Many of the species that have been and gave sage advice on Nihonshu handling identified as threatened require specific programs where the species has become protocols. are largely unknown, and specific studies extinct or near extinct in the wild, or the wild are required to clarify relevant thresholds intervention through practical, on–ground Special thanks are due for the generous works to alleviate the threats facing them. population is otherwise deemed unviable. support provided by Mr Tanaka, without for parameters such as temperature, water/ It is also important that coordinated and moisture availability and pollutants (e.g. Examples of practical actions required range which our trip to Hokkaido would not have from habitat restoration works to managing planned monitoring programs are established been possible: we are truly thankful for your soil/sediments, nutrients and pesticides). for many species, so that the recovery can Biological information is also lacking exotic pests. Appropriate activities need to support and company. be identified by experienced biologists and be tracked and additional intervention needs This research project was supported by for most crayfish species. Information on identified. growth rates, longevity, size/age at maturity, managers, but in many cases the works will the Environmental Futures Centre, and the fecundity, mating and breeding season, diet be best achieved by a coordinated initiative Collaboration Griffith School of Environment, Griffith and general behaviour is required for all but between various stakeholders, with inputs Clearly, the current conservation status University, Gold Coast campus, Queensland, a handful of species in Australia. from management agencies, researchers, of the world’s freshwater crayfish indicates Australia. community groups and individuals. However, that this fauna is at crisis point. There is an Legislation crayfish are simply not on the radar of current alarmingly high proportion of threatened LITeRATURe CITeD To protect and manage endangered ecological networks, and it is therefore species, and a broad range of inter– species, it is essential that their threatened important that the profile of these species (and Abrahamsson, S. A. A., 1966. Dynamics of an related threats involved. Managing this isolated population of the crayfish Astacus situation is formally recognized. That may their plight) is raised with the landholder, situation will require considerable efforts seem obvious, but it is not currently the catchment management, government and astacus Linne. Oikos, 17: 96–107. to build collaboration between the various Anderson, N. H., & Sedell, J. R., 1979. Detritus case for most of the endangered Australian Non–government organization networks that stakeholders involved, from Local, State and processing by macroinvertebrates in stream crayfish species. There are different forms already exist. Federal Government agencies through to ecosystems. Annual Review of Entomology, 24: of recognition, from the global IUCN list It is also important that regulations about researchers, landholders, conservation field 351–377. down to local government or catchment fishing activities are enforced, so that species workers and funding bodies. Furthermore, Burnham, Q., 2010. Engaewa pseudoreducta. management plans. The most important at threat from exploitation and illegal fishing although the Australian fauna provides a In: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Version 2011.1). The International Union for form of recognition is through government are adequately protected. For example, many particularly dire example of the conservation legislation, and in Australia this occurs at the Euastacus are illegally targeted in growing Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. crisis, many of the problems and potential Gland, Switzerland, 2 pp. National and State government levels. The numbers, and there appears to be a need recovery steps will be loosely applicable Chiew, F., & McMahon, T., 2002. Modelling on–ground actions and recovery planning, for greater enforcement of fishing bans and to threatened crayfish in other regions of the impacts of climate change on Australian and even research and funding, all filter restrictions. We concede that this is a difficult the world. To that end, we also consider streamflow. Hydrological Processes, 16: 1235– down from formal, legislative recognition; that increased global collaboration will be 1245. essentially, without this legislative invaluable in helping abate the crisis, gaining Collier, K. J., Parkyn, S. M., & Rabeni, C. F., 1 1997. Koura: A Keystone Species? Water and recognition there is no framework in place : At the time of writing, the authors have just been a better understanding of the threats involved, Atmosphere, 5: 18–20. for the protection and recovery of a species. advised that a nomination has been submitted to and recovering crayfish populations most Unfortunately, Australia is well behind in list Euastacus dharawalus Morgan as “Critically Coughran, J., 2006. Field guide to the freshwater Endangered” under the (NSW) Fisheries Management effectively. crayfishes of Northeastern New South Wales this area, and there are striking differences Act, 1994. (Compact Disk Format). Natureview Publishing, CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 33 32 32

Bangalow, NSW, Australia. ISBN: 0 9581149J. Coughran 3 5. & J. M.Parastacidae), Furse in Continental Australia. III. Case Ecology, 28: 423–443. Parastacidae), from The Murray River due to Coughran, J., & Daly, G., 2012. Potential threats Studies and Recommendations. Crustaceana Huner, J. V., 1988. Procambarus in North post–flood water quality. Proceedings–Royal posed by a translocated crayfish: the case of Monographs 15 (Special edition: New Frontiers America and elsewhere. In: D. M. Holdich & Society of Victoria, 107: 31–38. Cherax destructor in coastal drainages of New in Crustacean Biology): 265–274. R. S. Lowery, Freshwater Crayfish: Biology, Merrick, J. R., 1993. Freshwater crayfishes of New South Wales, Australia. Crustacean Research, Furse, J. M., Coughran, J., & Wild, C. H., 2012. Management and Exploitation. Croom Helm, South Wales. The Linnean Society of New South Special Number 7: 5–13. Report of a mass mortality of Euastacus London, England. pp. 239–261. ISBN 0–7099– Wales, Milsons Point, NSW, Australia. 127 pp. Coughran, J., Dawkins, K. L., & Furse, J. M., 2008. valentulus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in southeast 3792–X. ISBN: 0 9590535 1 4. An assessment of genus Tenuibranchiurus Queensland, Australia, with a discussion of the Huryn, A. D., & Wallace, J. B., 1987. Production and Merrick, J. R., 1995. Diversity, distribution and (1 species) versus IUCN Red List criteria. potential impacts of climate change induced litter processing by crayfish in an Appalachian conservation of freshwater crayfishes in Unpublished report prepared for the for the severe weather events on freshwater crayfish mountain stream. Freshwater Biology, 18: 277– the eastern highlands of New South Wales. global species conservation assessment of species. Crustacean Research, Special Number 7: 286. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New crayfishes for the IUCN Red List of Threatened 15–24. IPCC, 2007. Climate Change 2007–Synthesis South Wales, 151: 247–258. Species. A report jointly prepared by the School Hart, D. D., 1992. Community organization in Report. An assessment of the Intergovernmental Meyer, K. M., Gimpel, K., & Brandl, R., 2007. of Environmental Science and Management streams: the importance of species interactions, Panel on Climate Change. Fourth Assessment Viability analysis of endangered crayfish (Southern Cross University), and Griffith School physical factors, and chance. Oecologia, 91: Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate populations. Journal of Zoology, 273: 364–371. of Environment (Griffith University), 2 pp. 220–228. Change, Geneva, Switzerland. 52 pages. Momot, W. T., 1995. Redefining the role of crayfish Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2010. An assessment Harvey, M., 2002. Short range endemism among IUCN, 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in aquatic ecosystems. Reviews in Fisheries of genus Euastacus (49 species) versus IUCN the Australian fauna: some examples from non– (Version 2011.1). The International Union for Science, 3: 33–63. Red List criteria. Report prepared for the global marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics, Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Morgan, G. J., 1986. Freshwater crayfish of the species conservation assessment of crayfishes 16: 555–570. Available online via: http://www.iucnredlist.org/ genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda, Parastacidae) for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Hilbert, D. W., Ostendorf, B., & Hopkins, M. S., Jones, C. G., Lawton, J. H., & Shachak, M., 1994. from Victoria. Memoirs of the Museum of The International Association of Astacology, 2001. Sensitivity of tropical forests to climate Organisms as ecosystems engineers. Oikos, 69: Victoria, 47: 1–57. Auburn, Alabama, USA., 170 pp. ISBN: 978–0– change in the humid tropics of north Queensland. 373–386. Morgan, G. J., 1988. Freshwater crayfish of the 9805452–1–0. Austral Ecology, 26: 590–603. Jones, D., & Morgan, G., 2002. Field guide Genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda: Parastacidae) Coughran, J., & Leckie, S. R., 2007. Invasion of Hogger, J. B., 1988. Ecology, population biology and to of Australian waters. Reed, from Queensland. Memoirs of The Museum of a New South Wales stream by the Tropical behaviour. In: D. M. Holdich & R. S. Lowery, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia. 224 pp. Victoria, 49: 1–49. Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens). Freshwater Crayfish: Biology, Management and Krebs, C. J., 1994. Ecology: the experimental Morgan, G. J., 1997. Freshwater crayfish of the In: D. Lunney, P. Eby, P. Hutchings & S. Burgin, Exploitation. Croom Helm, London, England. analysis of distribution and abundance. genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda: Parastacidae) Pest or Guest: the Zoology of Overabundance. pp. 114–144. ISBN 0–7099–3792–X. HarperCollins, New york, USA. 801 pp. ISBN from New South Wales, with a key to all species Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Holdich, D. M., 2002a. General Biology: 0–06–500410–8. of the genus. Records of The Australian Museum Mosman, NSW, Australia. pp. 40–46. ISBN Background and Functional Morphology. In: D. Leland, J. C., Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2012. Supplement, 23: 110. 978–0–9803272–1–2. M. Holdich, Biology of Freshwater Crayfish. Further translocation of the Redclaw, Cherax Nature, 2009. Natural value. Nature, 457: 764. Coughran, J., McCormack, R. B., & Daly, G., 2009. Blackwell Science, Oxford, England. pp. 3–29. quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae), to Nystrom, P., 2002. General Biology: Ecology. In: Translocation of the yabby Cherax destructor ISBN 0–632–05431–X. Lake Ainsworth in northeastern New South D. M. Holdich, Biology of Freshwater Crayfish. into eastern drainages of New South Wales, Holdich, D. M., 2002b. Part 3: Conclusions. In: D. Wales, Australia. Crustacean Research, Special Blackwell Science, Oxford, England.: pp. 192– Australia. Australian Zoologist, 35: 100–103. M. Holdich, Biology of Freshwater Crayfish. Number 7: 1–4. 235. ISBN 0–632–05431–X. Dewhurst, N., 2010, personal communication. The Blackwell Science, Oxford, England. pp. 673– Lewis, A., & Morris, F., 2008. Report on a major Parkyn, S. M., & Collier, K. J., 2004. Interaction Sampled Red List Index Team, The Zoological 682. ISBN 0–632–05431–X. stranding of crayfish at Meldon, River Wansbeck, of press and pulse disturbances on crayfish Society of London, England. Horwitz, P., 1990. The conservation status of UK. Crayfish News, 30: 7–8. populations: flood impacts in pasture and forest Furse, J. M., & Coughran, J., 2011a. An assessment Australian freshwater crayfish with a provisional Lodge, D. M., Beckel, A. L., & Magnuson, J. J., streams. Hydrobiologia, 527: 113–124. of the distribution, biology, threatening list of threatened species, habitats and potentially 1985. Lake bottom tyrant. Natural History, 8: Parkyn, S. M., Rabeni, C. F., & Collier, K. J., 1997. processes and conservation status of the threatening processes. Report series No. 14. 33–37. Effects of crayfish ( planifrons: freshwater crayfish, genus Euastacus (Decapoda: Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Lodge, D. M., Kershner, M. W., Aloi, J. E., & Parastacidae) on in–stream processes and benthic Parastacidae), in Continental Australia. I. Canberra, Australia. 121 pp. Covich, A. P., 1994. Effects of an omnivorous faunas: a density manipulation experiment. Biological Background and Current Status. Horwitz, P., 2010. The Conservation Status of crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) on a freshwater Journal of Marine and Freshwater Crustaceana Monographs (New Frontiers in Freshwater Crayfish: The Basis for Concern, littoral food web. Ecology, 75: 1265–1281. Research, 31: 685–692. Crustacean Biology), 15: 241–252. Listing and Recovery Processes, and Community Lodge, D. M., Taylor, C. A., Holdich, D. M., & Richardson, A. M. M., 1983. The effect of the Furse, J. M., & Coughran, J., 2011b. An assessment Involvement. Freshwater Crayfish, 17: 1–12. Skurdal, J., 2000. Nonindigenous Crayfishes burrows of a crayfish on the respiration of the of the distribution, biology, threatening Horwitz, P. & Adams, M., 2000. The systematics, Threaten North American Freshwater surrounding soil. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, processes and conservation status of the biogeography and conservation status of species Biodiversity: Lessons from Europe. Fisheries, 15: 239–242. freshwater crayfish, genus Euastacus (Decapoda: in the freshwater crayfish genus Engaewa Riek 25: 7–20. Riek, E. F., 1951. The freshwater crayfish (family Parastacidae), in Continental Australia. II. (Decapoda : Parastacidae) from south–western Mason, J. C., 1975. Crayfish production in a small Parastacidae) of Queensland, with an appendix Threats, Conservation Assessments and Key Australia. Invertebrate Taxonomy, 14: 655–680. woodland stream. Freshwater Crayfish, 2: 449– describing other Australian species. Records of Findings. Crustaceana Monographs (New Horwitz, P. H. J., & Richardson, A. M. M., 1986. 479. the Australian Museum, 22: 368–388. Frontiers in Crustacean Biology), 15: 253–263. An ecological classification of the burrows of Matthews, M., & Reynolds, J. D., 1992. Ecological Specht, A., 2008. Extreme natural events and effects Furse, J. M., & Coughran, J., 2011c. An assessment Australian crayfish. Australian Journal of Marine impact of crayfish plague in Ireland. on tourism: central eastern coast of Australia. of the distribution, biology, threatening and Freshwater Research, 37: 237–242. Hydrobiologia, 234: 1–6. The Cooperative Centre for Sustainable Tourism processes and conservation status of the Hughes, L., 2003. Climate change and Australia: McKinnon, L. J., 1995. Emersion of Murray Pty Ltd, Griffith University, Gold Coast, freshwater crayfish, genus Euastacus (Decapoda: Trends, projections and impacts. Austral Crayfish, Euastacus armatus (Decapoda: Queensland, Australia. 66 pp. CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER CRAyFISH IN AUSTRALIA 33 32 33

Bangalow, NSW, Australia. ISBN: 0 9581149J. Coughran 3 5. & J. M.Parastacidae), Furse in Continental Australia. III. Case Ecology, 28: 423–443. Parastacidae), from The Murray River due to Coughran, J., & Daly, G., 2012. Potential threats Studies and Recommendations. Crustaceana Huner, J. V., 1988. Procambarus in North post–flood water quality. Proceedings–Royal posed by a translocated crayfish: the case of Monographs 15 (Special edition: New Frontiers America and elsewhere. In: D. M. Holdich & Society of Victoria, 107: 31–38. Cherax destructor in coastal drainages of New in Crustacean Biology): 265–274. R. S. Lowery, Freshwater Crayfish: Biology, Merrick, J. R., 1993. Freshwater crayfishes of New South Wales, Australia. Crustacean Research, Furse, J. M., Coughran, J., & Wild, C. H., 2012. Management and Exploitation. Croom Helm, South Wales. The Linnean Society of New South Special Number 7: 5–13. Report of a mass mortality of Euastacus London, England. pp. 239–261. ISBN 0–7099– Wales, Milsons Point, NSW, Australia. 127 pp. Coughran, J., Dawkins, K. L., & Furse, J. M., 2008. valentulus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in southeast 3792–X. ISBN: 0 9590535 1 4. An assessment of genus Tenuibranchiurus Queensland, Australia, with a discussion of the Huryn, A. D., & Wallace, J. B., 1987. Production and Merrick, J. R., 1995. Diversity, distribution and (1 species) versus IUCN Red List criteria. potential impacts of climate change induced litter processing by crayfish in an Appalachian conservation of freshwater crayfishes in Unpublished report prepared for the for the severe weather events on freshwater crayfish mountain stream. Freshwater Biology, 18: 277– the eastern highlands of New South Wales. global species conservation assessment of species. Crustacean Research, Special Number 7: 286. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New crayfishes for the IUCN Red List of Threatened 15–24. IPCC, 2007. Climate Change 2007–Synthesis South Wales, 151: 247–258. Species. A report jointly prepared by the School Hart, D. D., 1992. Community organization in Report. An assessment of the Intergovernmental Meyer, K. M., Gimpel, K., & Brandl, R., 2007. of Environmental Science and Management streams: the importance of species interactions, Panel on Climate Change. Fourth Assessment Viability analysis of endangered crayfish (Southern Cross University), and Griffith School physical factors, and chance. Oecologia, 91: Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate populations. Journal of Zoology, 273: 364–371. of Environment (Griffith University), 2 pp. 220–228. Change, Geneva, Switzerland. 52 pages. Momot, W. T., 1995. Redefining the role of crayfish Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2010. An assessment Harvey, M., 2002. Short range endemism among IUCN, 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in aquatic ecosystems. Reviews in Fisheries of genus Euastacus (49 species) versus IUCN the Australian fauna: some examples from non– (Version 2011.1). The International Union for Science, 3: 33–63. Red List criteria. Report prepared for the global marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics, Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Morgan, G. J., 1986. Freshwater crayfish of the species conservation assessment of crayfishes 16: 555–570. Available online via: http://www.iucnredlist.org/ genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda, Parastacidae) for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Hilbert, D. W., Ostendorf, B., & Hopkins, M. S., Jones, C. G., Lawton, J. H., & Shachak, M., 1994. from Victoria. Memoirs of the Museum of The International Association of Astacology, 2001. Sensitivity of tropical forests to climate Organisms as ecosystems engineers. Oikos, 69: Victoria, 47: 1–57. Auburn, Alabama, USA., 170 pp. ISBN: 978–0– change in the humid tropics of north Queensland. 373–386. Morgan, G. J., 1988. Freshwater crayfish of the 9805452–1–0. Austral Ecology, 26: 590–603. Jones, D., & Morgan, G., 2002. Field guide Genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda: Parastacidae) Coughran, J., & Leckie, S. R., 2007. Invasion of Hogger, J. B., 1988. Ecology, population biology and to crustaceans of Australian waters. Reed, from Queensland. Memoirs of The Museum of a New South Wales stream by the Tropical behaviour. In: D. M. Holdich & R. S. Lowery, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia. 224 pp. Victoria, 49: 1–49. Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens). Freshwater Crayfish: Biology, Management and Krebs, C. J., 1994. Ecology: the experimental Morgan, G. J., 1997. Freshwater crayfish of the In: D. Lunney, P. Eby, P. Hutchings & S. Burgin, Exploitation. Croom Helm, London, England. analysis of distribution and abundance. genus Euastacus Clark (Decapoda: Parastacidae) Pest or Guest: the Zoology of Overabundance. pp. 114–144. ISBN 0–7099–3792–X. HarperCollins, New york, USA. 801 pp. ISBN from New South Wales, with a key to all species Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Holdich, D. M., 2002a. General Biology: 0–06–500410–8. of the genus. Records of The Australian Museum Mosman, NSW, Australia. pp. 40–46. ISBN Background and Functional Morphology. In: D. Leland, J. C., Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2012. Supplement, 23: 110. 978–0–9803272–1–2. M. Holdich, Biology of Freshwater Crayfish. Further translocation of the Redclaw, Cherax Nature, 2009. Natural value. Nature, 457: 764. Coughran, J., McCormack, R. B., & Daly, G., 2009. Blackwell Science, Oxford, England. pp. 3–29. quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae), to Nystrom, P., 2002. General Biology: Ecology. In: Translocation of the yabby Cherax destructor ISBN 0–632–05431–X. Lake Ainsworth in northeastern New South D. M. Holdich, Biology of Freshwater Crayfish. into eastern drainages of New South Wales, Holdich, D. M., 2002b. Part 3: Conclusions. In: D. Wales, Australia. Crustacean Research, Special Blackwell Science, Oxford, England.: pp. 192– Australia. Australian Zoologist, 35: 100–103. M. 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Statzner, B., Fievet, E., Champagne,J. Coughran J.–y., & J. M.Journal Furse of Crustacean Biology, 21: 354–359. Morel, R., & Herouin, E., 2000. Crayfish as Wells, S. M., Pyle, R. M., & Collins, N. M., 1983. Conservation genetics as a tool for conservation and geomorphic agents and ecosystem engineers: The IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book. The management of the native Japanese freshwater crayfish Biological behavior affects sand and gravel IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. 632 pp. ISBN erosion in experimental streams. Limnology and 2–88032–602–X. Cambaroides japonicus (De Haan) Oceanography, 45: 1030–1040. Statzner, B., Peltret, O., & Tomanova, S., 2003. Crayfish as geomorphic agents and ecosystem Addresses: (JC) Environmental Futures engineers: effect of a biomass gradient on Centre and Griffith School of Environment, baseflow and flood–induced transport of gravel Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Kathryn L. Dawkins and James M. Furse and sand in experimental streams. Freshwater Queensland 4222, Australia, and Outback Biology, 48: 147–163. Ecology, 1/73 Troy Terrace, Jolimont, Stone, E. L., 1993. Soil burrowing and mixing by Western Australia, 6014, Australia, (JMF) Abstract.—Unprecedented rates of extinction Conservation Monitoring Centre, 1992). a crayfish. Soil Science Society of America Environmental Futures Centre and Griffith have lead to the development of fields, such as While it has been established that terrestrial, Journal, 57: 1096–1099. School of Environment, Gold Coast campus, conservation genetics, in an attempt to better marine, and freshwater ecosystems have all Unestam, T., 1973. Significance of diseases on understand biodiversity and consequently devise been affected, extinction rates are difficult freshwater crayfish. Freshwater Crayfish, 13: Griffith University, Queensland 4222, Australia; conservation programs to maintain the genetic to accurately estimate due to our incomplete 135–150. integrity of species. We discuss the utility and Usio, N., & Townsend, C. R., 2001. The significance understanding of current and past levels Email: (JC) jason.coughran@ application of conservation genetics, using of the crayfish as of biodiversity. Nevertheless, previous outbackecology.com, (JMF) j.furse@griffith. examples from Australian freshwater crayfish, shredders in a New Zealand headwater stream. edu.au researchers have identified that biodiversity with a view to applying this methodology to within freshwater ecosystems is at particular the sole native crayfish species found in Japan, risk (e.g., Saunders, 1976; Dudgeon, 1984; Cambaroides japonicus (De Haan). This species Sala et al., 2000; Cook et al., 2008); although is threatened by the non–indigenous crayfish this environment is relatively understudied in Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana) through comparison to terrestrial and marine systems. displacement, competition pressures, and susceptibility to Aphanomyces astaci Schikora Recent studies employing molecular (the crayfish plague, carried by the invasive techniques have revealed cryptic diversity in species). Examining the genetic diversity within formerly well–studied groups of organisms C. japonicus could allow populations of high (Baker et al., 2004), and cryptic genetic conservation priority to be identified (i.e., divergence in the world’s largest and genetically distinct populations) or, in contrast, arguably most iconic freshwater crayfish show that this species is genetically homogenous. species Astacopsis gouldi Clark (Sinclair et Such genetic continuity may suggest that other al., 2011). These studies highlighted both our conservation methods (e.g., translocations and incomplete understanding of well–known restocking populations) may be suitable for this groups and species, but also that very high species of crayfish. Identifying genetic variability, group– and species–level conservation values or lack thereof, is a key step in dictating the can be easily overlooked. future direction of any conservation measures for This review is concerned with the status C. japonicus. of one particular group of aquatic organisms, freshwater crayfish, which are found on every continent (excluding the African INTRODUCTION (bar ), Antarctic, and Indian It is apparent that throughout the world, sub–continent) and are widely regarded as population declines and species’ keystone species (sensu Krebs, 1994) in are occurring at an unprecedented rate areas they inhabit (Hart, 1992; Momot, 1995; (Dirzo & Raven, 2003; DeSalle & Amato, Holdich, 2002c). 2004; May, 2010). Although extinctions are In 2010, the world’s freshwater crayfish natural phenomena, evidence suggests that were assessed for the IUCN Red List of current extinction rates far exceed those Threatened Species, and the evaluation seen in the past and are likely, for the most of 528 species established that freshwater part, attributable to human actions (World crayfish are among the world’s 5 most