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Comprehensive Report - Cambarus scotti Page 1 of7

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Cambarus scottl- Hobbs, 1981 Coogle Search for Images on Google Related ITIS Name(s): Cambarus scolfiHobbs, 1981 (TSN 97403) Unique Identifier: ELEMENT_GLOBAL,2.115192 Element Code: ICMAL07740 Informal : , Invertebrates - -

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Animalia Crustacea Cambarus Genus Size: D- Medium to large genus (21+ species)

Check Ihis box 10 expand all reporl seclions: 0

Concept Hefercnce Concept Reference: Hobbs, Horton. H. Jr. 1989. An l!iuslrated Checklist of the American crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae & Parastacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 480. Smithsonian Institute Press, , D. C. 236 pp. Concept Reference Code: B89HOBOI GAUS Name Used in Concept Reference: Cambarus scotti

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NaluroServe Stalus

Global Sialus: G3 Global Sialus Lasl Reviewed: 01Jul2009 Global Status Last Changed: 15Jun2000 Rounded Global Slatus: G3 - Vulnerable Reasons: This species only occurs in nine iocalities along Ihe Coosa River basin (extent <5000 sq. km). II has nol been found in any other stream systems and is thought to be endemic to this river. However, there is information major threats which may be having an impact on this species, but it has been described as abundant at some sites where it occurs; especially sites where it was recently found in the Coosa basin in . It seems secure throughout at least the southern portion of its range. Nation: National Slatus: N3

Iu.s. & Canada State/Province Sialus I !United StatesllAiabama (SNR), (S2S3)1

Other Statuses

IUCN Red List Category: VU - Vulnerabte American Fisheries Society Slatus: Threatened (01Jan1996)

NalureServc Global Conservation Status Factors

Range Extenl: 1000-5000 square km (about 400-2000 square miles) Range Extent Comments: Reslricted to the Chattooga River basin (Upper Coosa system) in Chattooga and Walker counties in Georgia and County, Alabama. The Alabama specimens are tentatively assigned to this species, but do not share all http://www,natureselve.org/explorer/servletINatureServe?sourceTemplate=tabnlac.report.,.. 3127120 12 Comprehensive RepOli Species - Cambarus scotti Page 2 of7

characters (Hobbs 1981), although it is listed as occurring In Alabama in Taylor et al. (2007). Mirarchi et al. (2004; appendix 1.2 pub. separately) lists this species in Alabama from 9 records in the upper Coosa River system (Chatlooga River).

Number of Occurrences: 21 - 80 Number of Occurrences Comments: Collected at 14 sites In Chatlooga (Clarks Creek, Lyerly Creek, Challooga River in 3 sites, Chappel Creek, Cane Creek, Perenniai Spring Run) and Walker Cos. (Cane Creek at 2 sites, Town Creek, Duck Creek at 2 sites), Georgia and five sites in Cherokee (creek north of Gaylesville, Terrapin Creek at2 sites, Challooga River), Calhoun (Choccolocco Creek, Terrapin Creek, tributary to Terrapin Creek at 2 sites), and Sl. Clair Cos. (stream east of Blount Co. line), Alabama (Hobbs, 1981). Mirarchi et ai. (2004; appendix 1.2 pub. separately) and Schuster and Taylor (2004) list this species in Alabama from 9 records in the upper Coosa River system (Chatlooga River) (Schuster et aI., 2008) in Calhoun, Cherokee, and Sl. Clair Cos. There Is one unverified lot in USNM from a creek in Greenville Co., .

Population Size: Unknown

Overall Threat Impact Comments: It is unknown whether Cambarus scotti is impacted by any major threat process. However, it is likely to be undergoing localized declines due to urbanization, alterations to the hydrological regime and water pollution.

Shorl-term Trend: Relatively stable (~10% change) Shari-term Trend Comments: Where collected in Alabama recently, it was found to be common where tound (G. Schuster, C. Taylor, pers. comm., 2009).

Long-term Trend: Increase of 10-25% to decline of 30% Long-term Trend Comments: Historically, Ortmann (1931) noted a Cambarus montanus acuminatus from the Chatlooga River in trion, Chatlooga Co., Georgia, bul Hobbs (1981) determined this to be what he laler described as Cambarus scotti. Also, specimens from Town Creek (at Roule S2557) north of Lafayelle in Walker Co, Georgia, were also identified by Hobbs (1981) as this species. Hart and Hart (1974) cited it as a host of Dactylocythere falcata (ostracod) in a stream 5.2 miles south of Summervilleon U.S. 271n Chatlooga Co., Georgia.

Other NatureServe Conservation Status Information

Distribution Global Range: (1000-5000 square km (about 400-2000 square miles)) Restricted to the Chatlooga River basin (Upper Coosa system) in Challooga and Walker counties in Georgia and Cherokee County, Atabama. The Alabama specimens are tentativeiy assigned to this spectes, but do not share all characters (Hobbs 1981), although it is listed as occurring in Atabama in Taylor et al. (2007). Mirarchi et al. (2004; appendix 1.2 pUb. separateiy) lists this species in Alabama from 9 records in the upper Coosa River system (Chatlooga River).

U.S. States and Canadian PrOVinces

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State/Province Conservation Status

i , sx- P,esumed ~• . Exiilpated

~J sH. Possibly g . ExtIrpated - 81: Cri!leally • Imperiled

$2: fmpeilled

D S3: Vulnerable 84: Apparently Secu,e

• S5: Secure

t10t 111 Ranked/Under Review (SNR/SU)

Conservation Status Not Applicable (SNA)

Exotio

Hybrid without Conservation Value

Endemism: endemic to a single" nation

lu.s. & Canada State/Province Dlstributlonl IUnited Slates IIAl, GA I

Range Map No map avaiiabie.

Natural heritage records exist for the following U.S. counties CD State . 'County Name (FIPS Code) GA IChatlooga (13055)'. Waiker (13295)' .EXlirpated/posslbiy extlrpaled

U.S. Distribution by Watershed (based on available natural heritage records) CD Watershed Region CD IWatershed Name (Watershed Code) 03 IUpper Coosa (03150105) + Naturai hentage record(s) eXist for thiS watershed • Extirpated/possibly extirpated

Ecology & Life History ('IJ Basic Description: a craytish Habitat Type: Freshwater Non·Mlgrant: N locally Migrant: N long Distance Migrant: N

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Riverine Habltat(s): High gradient, MEDIUM RIVER, Moderate gradient, Riffle Habitat Comments: Is most abundant In areas with swift water and rocks (Hobbs, 1981). Economic Attributes

Management SUllllnary

Population/Occurrence Delineation Group Name: Crayfishes

Use Class: Not applicable Minimum Criteria for an Occurrence: Occurrences are based on some evidence of historical or current presence of single or multiple specimens. including Jive specimens or recently dead shells (Le., soft tissue still attached without signs of external weathering or staining). at a given location with potentially recurring existence. Evidence is derived from reliable published observation or collection data: unpublished, though documented (Le. government or agency reports, web siles, etc.) observation or collection data; or museum specimen information. Separation Barriers: Separation barriers are based on hydrological discontinuity. Additional physical barriers, particularly for secondary and tertiary burrowers, include presence of upland habitat between water connections of a distance greater than 30 m. Migration of primary burrowers is generally not hindered by presence of upland habitat unless conditions are very xeric (dry and desert­ like) (Smith, 2001). Separation Distance for Unsuitable Habitat: 2 km Separation Distance for Suitable Habitat: 2 km Alternate Separation Procedure: Freshwater cave (troglobitic) species may occur from near entrances to very deep in cave systems. For cave species, each cave where an observation or collection was recorded (see Minimum EO Criteria, above) constitutes an element occurrence regardless of separation distance unless caves are part of a single hydrological system (see below). Occurrences are additionally separated by underground physical barriers to movement. Multiple caves within a single hydrological cave system are considered to be a single element occurrence when they are less than one km apart. Multiple caves within a single hydrological cave system are considered separate element occurrences when hydrological connections have not been determined or When separated by a distance of at least one km. Separation Justification: Habitat for these creatures Is primarily separated according to each species' burrowing ability. All crayfish are able to burrow to some extent and this ability will help determine the range of habitats in which a species can be found. Burrowing In the Astacldae is limited to streambed and bank excavation (Hobbs, 1988). The Cambaridae, as a whole are much more adept al burrowing than the Astacldae. As a result, they possess a greater habitat range than the Astacidae Including dry water bodies (Hogger, 1988).

The burrowers can be classified into three categories: primary burrowers, secondary burrowers, and tertiary burrowers. Primary burrowers tend to remain in their burrows continuously and live in areas without permanent water except during breeding when th~y must migrate to a nearby water source (Hogger, 1988). The prairies of eastern and central and western Alabama are an example of primary burrower habitat (Hogger, 1988). Secondary burrowers remain in burrows during dry periods but emerge when habitats are inundated seasonally. Such habitat includes lenlic systems flooded periodically but dry in summer (Huner and Ramairs, 1979) and permanent and temporary ponds and swamps in the . Tertiary burrowers do not burrow except during infrequent drought conditions andlor during breeding season. Both flowing and standing water can be tertiary burrower habilat.

Because primary burrowers, and to a lesser extent secondary burrowers, can occupy xeric habitats, separation barriers for such species do not Include presence of upland habitat except in extremely dry conditions. Survival during dry periods, particularly for secondary burrowers, is dependent upon construction of a burrow regardless of season. Several different types have been described (Smith, 2001) depending on species, soil, and depth of water table.

Published Information about movement in relation to migration distance Is lacking but Cooper (1998, personal communication) and Fitzpatrick (1998, personal communication) both recommend a separation distance of one km between element occurrences. Dispersal patterns are best known for invasive species which likely have the greatest dispersal capability, therefore, separation distances have been determined for all crayfish based on these stUdies. Guan and Wiles (1997) provided evidence from the River Great Ouse In the United Kingdom that the range of movement for the majority of the Invasive Pacilastacus/eniuscu/us was within 190 m. Bubb et al. (2004) also studied P. teniusculus In England using radio-tagging and found median maximat upstream and downstream movement distances were 13.5 m (range 0-283 m) and 15 m (range 0-417 m), respectively. Barbaresl et al. (2004) found that ranging speed in the invasive craylish c/arkii (Girard) to be slow (0.3 to 76.5 mlday) with the widest ranging individual traveling 304 m. Lewis and Horton (1996) found that 21% of tagged Paclfastacus leniuscu/us in an Oregon harvest pond moved >1000 m in one year while the majority moved <500 m. As such minimum separation distance (unsuitable and suitable) has been set at the NatureServe standard minimum of two km.

Exposed pools and streams in caves represent "karst windows" into more extensive underground streams. No information on the http://www,natureserve.org/explorer/servletlNalureServe?sourceTemplate=tabular....report.... 3/2712012 Comprehensive Report Species - Cambarus scotti Page 5 of?

distance cave crayfish can disperse in underground streams is yet available. Date: 1S0cl2004 Author: Cordeiro, J. Notes: Primary burrowers include the following taxa: Cambarus (Cambarus) carolinus, C. (C.) diogenes diogenes, C. (Depressicambarus) calagius, C. (D.) cymatiiis, C. (D.) deweesae, C. (D.) harti, C. (D.) reflexus, C. (D.) pyronolus, C. (D.) strialus, C. (D.) strigosus, C. (D.) truncatus, C. (Glareocola), C. (Jugicambarus) batchi, C. (J.) carolinus, C. (J.) causeyi, C. (J.) dubius, C. (J.) gentryi, C. (J.) monongalensis, C. (J.) nodosus, C. (Lacunicambarus), C. (Tubericambarus), Dislocambarus, Faliicambarus, Procambarus (Acucauda), P. (Distocambarus), P. (Girardiella) barbiger, P. (G.) cometes, P. (G.) connus, P. (G.) curdi, P. (G.) gracilis, P. (G.) hagenianus hagenianus, P. (G.) hagenianus vesticeps, P. (G.) liberorum, P. (G.) pogum, P. (Hagenides) [excepl P. pygmaeusJ Secondary burrowers inclUde the following taxa: Cambarus (Cambarus) ortmanni, C. (Depressicambarus) latimanus, C. (D.) reduncus, Hobbseus, Procambarus (Cambarus) ctarkii, P. (Girardiella) kensleyi, P. (G.) reimeri, P. (G.) simulans, P. (G.) sleigmanl, P. (G.) tulanei, P. (Hagenides) pygmaeus, P. (Leconticambarus) [excepting P. alieni and P. milleri], P. (Ortmannicus) [excepting the cave dweliing species], P. (Tenuicambarus) Tertiary burrowers include the following laxa: Barbicambarus, Bouchardina, Cambarus (Cambarus) anguiaris, C. (C.) bartonii cariniroslris, C. (C.) bartonii cavatus, C. (C.) howardi, C. (C.) sciotensis, C. (Depressicambarus) englishi, C. (D.) graysoni, C. (D.) halii, C. (D.) obstipus, C. (D.) sphenoides, C. (Erebicambarus) ornatus, C. (E.) rusticilormis, C. (Exilicambarus) cracens, C. (Hiaticambarus), C. (Jugicambarus) asperimanus, C. (J.) bouchardi, C. (J.) crinipes, C. (J.) distans, C. (J.) friaufi, C. (J.) obeyensis, C. (J.) parvoculus, C. (J.) uneslami, C. (Puncticambarus) [excepting the cave dwelling species], C. (Veticambarus), Cambarellus, Faxonella, [excepting the cave dwelling species], , Procambarus (Capiliicambarus), P. (Girardiella) ceruleus, P. Population/Occurrence Viability Justification: Use the Generic Element Occurrence Rank Specifications (2008). Key for Ranking Species Element Occurrences Using We Generic Approach (2008>' U.S. Invasive Species Impact Hanl< (I-Hank)

A.ulllms/Contributors NalureServe Conservation Status Factors Edilton Date: 05Jan2010 NatureServe Conservation Status Factors Author: Cordeiro, J. (2010); Morrison, M. (2000) Element Ecology & Life History Edition Date: OSJan2010 Element Ecology & Life History Author(s): Cordeiro, J.

Zoological data developed by NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs (see Local Programs) and other contributors and cooperators (see Sources).

;{i'_lei-p.llC{,~'

Hart, D.G. and COW. Hart, Jr. 1974. The ostracod family Entocytheridae. Monographs of Ihe Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 19: 1-239.

Hobbs, H.H.. Jr. 19S1. The craylishes of Georgia. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, 31S: 1-549.

Hobbs, H.H., Jr. 19S9. A illustrated checklist of Ihe American craylishes (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Paraslacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 4S0:1-236.

• Hobbs, Horton H., Jr. 19S1. The craylishes of Georgia. Smithsonian Contrib.to Zooi. 31S:1-549.

• Hobbs, Horton. H. Jr. 19S9. An lIIuslrated Checklisl of Ihe American crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae & . Parastacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 4S0. Smilhsonian Instilute Press, Washinglon, D. C. 236 pp.

McLaughlin, P.A., D.K. Camp, MV. Angel, E.L. Bousfield, P. Brunei, R.C. Brusca, D. Cadlen, AC. Cohen, K. Conlan, L.G. Eldredge, D.L. Felder, J.W. Goy, T. Haney, B. Hann, R.W. Heard, E.A Hendrycks, H.H. Hobbs Iii, J.R. Holsinger, B. Kensley, D.R. Laubitz, S.E. LeCroy, R. Lemaitre, R.F. Maddocks, J'w. Martin, P. Mikkelsen, E. Nelson, W.A Newman, R.M. Overstreet, W.J. Poly, W.W. Price, J'w. Reid, A Robertson, D.C. Rogers, A Ross, M. Schotte, F. Schram, C. Shih, L. Watiing, G.D.F. Wilson, and D.D. Turgeon. 2005. Common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates from the United States and Canada: Crustaceans. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 31: 545 pp.

Mirarchi, R.E.. M.A. Baitey, J.T. Garner, T.M. Haggerty, T.L. Best, M.F. Mettee, and P. O'Neii. 2004. Alabama Wildlile. Voiume Four: Conservation and Management Recommendations for Imperiled Wildlife. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 221 pp.

Orlmann, AE. 1931. Crawlishes of the southern Appalachians and the Cumberiand. Annals of the Carnegie Museum 20(2):61­ 1S0.

Schuster, G. A. and C.A. Taylor. 2004. Report on the crayfishes of Alabama: literature and museum database review, species list with abbreviated annolations and proposed conservation staluses. Nalural History Survey Technical Reporl, 2004(12): 47 pp.

http://www.natureserve.org/exploreriservletlNatureServe?sourceTemplate=tabu1acreport.... 3/27/2012 Comprehensive RepOit Species - Cambams scotti Page 6 00

• Schuster, G.A., C.A. Taylor, and J. Johansen. 2008. An annotated checklist and preliminary designation of drainage distributions of the crayfishes of Alabama. Southeastern Naturalist, 7(3): 493-504.

Taylor, CA, G.A. Schuster, J.E. Cooper, R.J. DiStefano, A.G. Eversole, P. Hamr, H.H. Hobbs III, H.W. Robison, C.E. Skelton, and R.F. Thoma. 2007. A reassessment of the conservation status of crayfishes of the United States and Canada alter 10+ years of increased awareness. Fisheries, 32(8): 371-389.

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GEORGIA www.gcsu.edu COLLEGE. "CONNECTING WHAT MATTERS" G~OR':; ~:$ ?VU.~I<: ~"ll;;;;:A;" AR~5 'JNI'~'r.:R$l'l"~

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• IE • Undergraduate •J • Graduate •J • International Crayfishes of Georgia Crayfishes ofGeorgia Overview List ofGeorgia Species Species Lists bv Drainage Crayfish Identification Kevs bv Draina2e Ecologv and Life Historv Links and Other Useful Information Glossary

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Common Name: CHATTOOGA RIVER CRAYFISH

Scientific Name: Cambarus (Puncticambarus) scotti Hobbs

Rarity Ranks: G3/S2

State Legal Status: Threatened

Federal Legal Status: None

Description: The overall color ofthe Chattooga River crayfish is tannish to brown, although the margins ofthe rostrum and various tubercles are bright reddish. The claws are a dull greenish and are robust in adult males. The areola is wide and nearly parallel sided and well-developed cervical spines are present. The rostrum is fairly long and tapers gradually to a point. This species reaches a maximum total body length ofabout 90 mm (3.5 in).

Similar Species: This species has been collected with the variable crayfish (Cambarus latimanus) and the ambiguous crayfish (Cambarus striatus). Both ofthese species have a much narrower areola than the Chattooga River crayfish and neither have cervical spines.

Habitat: The Chattooga River crayfish is usually collected from beneath rocks or debris in flowing areas with moderate to swift current. It is known from the Chattooga River and smaller tributary streams.

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Diet: No studies ofthe Chattooga River crayfish are known. Crayfishes are considered opportunistic omnivores and likely feed on live and decaying vegetation, aquatic insect larvae, small fishes, and dead matter.

Life History: Stream dwelling crayfishes typically hide during the day and come out at night to feed. Reproduction usually occurs during the spring and fall, but males in reproductive condition may be found at any time during the year. When female crayfish are ready to lay eggs, they usually find a secure hiding place and hence are rarely encountered. When the eggs are released, the female attaches them to her swimmerets and is said to be "in berry". Upon hatching, the juvenile crayfish are attached to the mother by a thread. After the juveniles molt for the second time, they are free ofthe mother, but stay close and will hold on to her for some time. Eventually they move offon their own. Crayfishes molt 6 or 7 times during their first year oflife and most are probably able to reproduce by the end ofthat year. They molt once or twice a year for the remainder oftheir lives and live about 3 years. Male Chattooga River crayfish in reproductive condition have been collected in March-May and September-October and females carrying eggs were found in April. The number ofeggs for 4 individuals ranged from 110-310, with egg diameters ranging from 2.1-2.3 mm.

Survey Recommendations: Since this species is usually found in swift water, it is most easily collected by holding a net perpendicular to the current downstream ofa large rock, then lifting the rock and disturbing the substrate beneath it. Ifa crayfish is hiding underneath the rock, it will likely move into the net. Shocking downstream into a seine net with a backpack electroshocker is also effective. Collections in spring or fall are more likely to produce males in reproductive condition, which can be helpful with identifications.

Range: The Chattooga River crayfish is known from about 20 locations in the Chattooga River system in northwestern Georgia and northeastern Alabama. In Georgia it has been collected at 14 sites in Walker and Chattooga counties within the Ridge and Valley physiographic province.

Threats: The small range ofthis species and poor land use practices within that range are potential threats to the Chattooga River crayfish. Heavy sedimentation resulting from poor development and land management practices may cover substrates and other daytime hiding places on which crayfishes rely to avoid predation. The introduction ofnon-native crayfishes is a threat to all native crayfishes.

Georgia Conservation Status: There are no known protected populations ofthis species.

Conservation and Management Recommendations: Conserving populations ofthe Chattooga River crayfish will require general watershed level protection measures, including the protection ofriparian zones, control ofsediment and nutrient runofffrom farms and construction sites, and limiting the amount ofimpervious cover (e.g., pavement) within occupied watersheds. Non-native crayfishes should never be used for bait. Instead, anglers should use crayfishes collected from the river system they will be fishing in and should never release unused bait crayfish back into Georgia waters.

Selected References:

Hobbs, H. H., Jr. 1981. The crayfishes ofGeorgia. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 318:1-549.

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Hobbs, H. H., Jr. 1989. An illustrated checklist ofthe American crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 480:1-236.

Taylor, C. A, G. A Schuster, J. E. Cooper, R. J. DiStefano, A G. Eversole, P. Harnr, H. H. Hobbs Ill, H. W. Robison, C. E. Skelton, and R. F. Thoma. 2007. A reassessment ofthe conservation status ofcrayfishes ofthe United States and Canada after 10+ years ofincreased awareness. Fisheries 32(8):72-389.

Author of species account: Christopher E. Skelton

Date Compiled or Updated: June 2008

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CONNECTING WHAT MATTERS

Contact: Christopher E. Skelton Department ofBiological and Environmental Sciences Georgia College Milledgeville, GA 31061 chris.skeltonrLi:;zcsu.cdu (478) 445-2440

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A-Z Sitewide Index About the site Georgia CoIIege' 231 W. Hancock St.' Milledgeville, GA 31061' 1-800-342-0471 ; 478-445-5004' admissions(ii)gcsu.edu_

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WatLOrshLOd Fads -- Coosa RivICf Basin Initiative Page 1 of 1

The Coosa

Forrned by the th'2 Etowah and O()stal1at.d~l Ri\'cr- in Rom,c, the Coosa f1.ows 60G to :,'lobile . River and I\'1obilc B~lY 0:1 the Gulf of I\-1exico. Frorn RCiIi1C. the Coosa \dnds to \Neiss DU1U nc,.!I ('entre, ~.'\}ab::ul1a. Belo\\' '\Veiss Da111 the i\lth the Tallapoosa. fOrU1II\; th(; ..:'\labarna River.

between Rome and ~vVeiss Darn include Big Cedar Creek, Little Ri\·,_,:' Ri':cr.

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