The Case of Cherax Destructor in Coastal Drainages of New South

CRUSTACEAN RESEARCH, SPECIAL NUMBER 7: 5–13, 2012 4 ET AL.

Barbaresi, S., 2002. Ranging and burrowingJ. C. LELAND Research, 31: 693–700. behaviour of the red swamp crayfish in an Riek, E. F., 1951. The freshwater crayfish (family Potential threats posed by a translocated crayfish: the case invaded habitat: the onset of hibernation. Parastacidae) of Queensland, with an appendix of Cherax destructor in coastal drainages of New South Freshwater Crayfish, 13: 330–337. describing other Australian species. Records of Harlioğlu, M. M. & Harlioğlu, A. G., 2006. Threat the Australian Museum, 22: 368–388. Wales, Australia of non–native crayfish introductions into Turkey: Timms, B. V., 1982. Coastal Dune Waterbodies of global lessons. Reviews in Fish Biology and North–eastern New South Wales. Australian Fisheries, 16: 171–181. Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 33: Horwitz, P., 1990. The translocation of freshwater 203–22. crayfish in Australia: potential impact, the need Willmott, W. F., 1986. Rocks and landscapes of the Jason Coughran and Garry Daly for control and global relevance. Biological Gold Coast hinterland: geology and excursions Conservation, 54: 291–305. in the Albert and Beaudesert Shires. Geological Kailola, P., Williams, M., Stewart, P., Reichelt, Society of Australia (Qld. Division), Brisbane, Abstract.—The yabby, Cherax destructor, is virtually all coastal drainage systems in R., McNee, A. & Grieve, C., 1993. Australia’s Queensland, 38 pp, ISBN 0–959223–35–5. endemic to inland waterways of south–eastern NSW is of great concern to the protection Fisheries Resources. Bureau of Resource Wingfield, M., 2002. An overview of the Australian Australia. However, as a result of aquaculture and management of the indigenous fauna of Sciences and the Fisheries Research and freshwater crayfish farming industry. Freshwater feral populations have become established these waterways. In this paper we outline the Development Corporation, Canberra, ACT, Crayfish, 13: 177–184. outside its natural range, within and outside of severity of the potential threat involved. Australia. ISBN 0642188769. 422 pp. Wingfield, 2008. An Updated Overview of the Australia. In recent years, numerous translocated Lawrence, C. & Jones, C., 2002. Crayfish of Australian Freshwater Crayfish Farming The aquatic ecosystems of NSW are populations have been recorded from coastal commercial importance: Cherax. In: D. M. Industry. Freshwater Crayfish, 16: 15–17. most conspicuously defined by the Great Holdich (ed.), Biology of Freshwater Crayfish. drainages in New South Wales, where a sizeable Dividing Range, which divides the State’s Blackwell Science, Oxford, England. pp. 635– diversity of endemic coastal crayfishes occur. waterways into inland and coastal draining 666, ISBN 0–632–05431–X. Addresses: (* JCL) Marine Ecology Translocated yabbies represent a potential threat systems. Inland waterways are characterized Mitchell, B. D., Collins, R. O. & Austin, C. M., Research Centre, School of Environment, to indigenous fauna in the waterways of eastern by a low diversity of relatively widespread 1994. Multi–level refuge utilization by the Science and Engineering, Southern Cross New South Wales, and in this paper we outline the aquatic species, while the coastal drainages freshwater crayfish Cherax destructor Clark habitats and biota that may be at risk. We discuss University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia. support a much richer diversity of species (Decapoda: Parastacidae): a potential harvest and several key concerns regarding this translocated (JC) Outback Ecology, 1/73 Troy Terrace, sampling technique. Aquaculture and Fisheries crayfish, including: the probable pathways of with comparatively small distributions. This Management, 25: 557–562. Jolimont, Western Australia, 6014, Australia, introduction; its propensity to spread; potential difference is highlighted by the crayfish fauna Moritz, C., 1994. Defining ‘Evolutionarily and Environmental Futures Centre and the competition and predation threats; pathogen of the state. Apart from a handful of species Significant Units’ for conservation. Trends in Griffith School of Environment, Griffith that occur in the upper headwaters along Ecology and Evolution, 9: 373–375. concerns; and potential impacts at the habitat University, Gold Coast campus, Queensland and ecosystem level. the Great Dividing Range, the major inland Olszewski, P., 1980. A salute to the humble yabby. 4222, Australia. (JMF) Environmental waterways are dominated by two species: Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 150 pp, ISBN 0207140936. Futures Centre and the Griffith School of the widespread yabby (Cherax destructor) Peay, S., Holdich, D. M. & Brickland, J., 2010. Risk Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast INTRODUCTION and the River Murray Crayfish (Euastacus Assessments of Non–Indigenous Crayfish in campus, Queensland 4222, Australia; The yabby, Cherax destructor, is the most armatus). In contrast, the coastal waterways Great Britain. Freshwater Crayfish, 17: 109–122. Email: (JCL) [email protected], widely distributed freshwater crayfish in of NSW support more than 40 species from Rabeni, C. F., Collier, K. J., Parkyn, S. M. & Hicks, (JC) [email protected], Australia, with a natural range that extends five genera (Table 1). B. J., 1997. Evaluating techniques for sampling stream crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons). (JMF) [email protected] across several inland catchments west of Probable pathways. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater *Author for correspondence the Great Dividing Range (Sokol, 1988). The probable pathways of translocated However, it has been translocated to other Cherax destructor in eastern drainages parts of the continent including Western (i.e. aquarium release, use of bait yabbies Australia, Tasmania and, more recently, in fishing, deliberate stocking as a coastal catchments in New South Wales food resource, etc) are all still present. (NSW) (Austin, 1985; Elvey et al., 1996; Regrettably, the Australian Crayfish Project Horwitz, 1990; Horwitz & Knott, 1995; surveys have recorded further translocated Coughran et al., 2009). Since the initial populations of this species since the paper report of translocated populations of C. by Coughran et al. (2009) was published, destructor in eastern NSW (Coughran et and it has now been recorded in additional al., 2009), several additional populations coastal drainages of NSW (an update have been recorded (McCormack & Daly, listing the site details of these additional unpublished data). The sudden occurrence translocated populations will be published of this translocated crayfish species in in due course; McCormack, pers. comm.). TRANSLoCATED C. dEsTruCTor IN NEW SoUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA 7 6 6 J. Coughran & g. Daly The threat of further introductions of this dharawalus in recent years. When the species in NSW is real, and in the absence situation at Fitzroy Falls was first brought of education programs or mechanisms to to attention, a proposal was developed for Table 1. The coastal drainages of New South Wales support more than 40 species of freshwater crayfish, most of which are endemic to coastal drainages. These crayfish are listed as ‘restricted’ if their estimated distribution reduce the various introduction pathways, it continued and more specific population is <10,000km2, and as ‘highly restricted’ if their estimated distribution is <1,000km2. Current IUCN Red List is most likely that the species will continue to research on this species. However, relevant conservation classifications are provided where available become established in waterways throughout stakeholder agencies did not fund the Species Coastal Endemic Distribution Range Conservation Status (IUCN) all coastal drainages. initiative, on the basis that the issue was not of sufficiently high priority (McCormack, Cherax cuspidatus yes not restricted Least Concern Propensity to spread. pers. comm.). The situation at Fitzroy Falls Cherax leckii yes highly restricted Critically Endangered Cherax destructor has a high propensity has the potential to cause the extinction of Cherax setosus yes restricted n/a to spread and colonize new sites. The species the iconic native crayfish that is only known Engaeus cymus no not restricted Least Concern is known to leave the water and travel from that site, and similar situations could be Engaeus orientalis no restricted Least Concern overland considerable distances, and in some occurring elsewhere in coastal NSW. Euastacus australasiensis yes not restricted Least Concern cases en masse, to colonize new habitats The potential threat is not simply a matter Euastacus bidawalus yes restricted Endangered (olszewski, 1980; Barnham & Barker, of resource competition. overseas studies Euastacus brachythorax yes restricted Endangered 2009). It is environmentally tolerant and have found inter–specific interactions can Euastacus clarkae yes highly restricted Critically Endangered able to withstand extreme physicochemical influence species replacements in crayfishes Euastacus claytoni no restricted Endangered conditions (Beatty et al. 2005), enabling it through a complex range of processes, Euastacus crassus no restricted Endangered to occupy temporary habitats. Moreover, it involving factors such as reproductive Euastacus dalagarbe yes highly restricted Critically Endangered is highly fecund and capable of continual interference, aggressive dominance, Euastacus dangadi yes restricted Least Concern spawning when conditions are suitable, differential susceptibility to predation, habitat Euastacus dharawalus yes highly restricted Critically Endangered advantageous traits for the rapid colonization availability and quality, disturbance, health Euastacus gamilaroi no highly restricted Critically Endangered of new areas (Beatty et al., 2005). The status, growth, and spatial and temporal Euastacus girurmulayn yes highly restricted Critically Endangered species can persist in a variety of water access to food and shelter resources (Rabeni, Euastacus gumar yes highly restricted Endangered bodies, including temporary puddles, and 1985; Capelli & Munjal, 1982; Butler & Euastacus guruhgi yes highly restricted Critically Endangered may impact on a wide range of lentic and Stein, 1985; Lodge et al., 1986; Söderbäck, lotic species in coastal NSW. For example, Euastacus guwinus yes highly restricted Critically Endangered 1 1991; Mather & Stein, 1993; Garvey et al., Euastacus hirsutus yes restricted Endangered in the Newcastle region it has recently been 1994; Hill & Lodge, 1994). Euastacus jagabar yes highly restricted Critically Endangered found in forestry dams, creeks, drains and, Euastacus maccai no restricted Endangered at one site, in a vehicle rut (McCormack & Predation threats. Euastacus mirangudjin yes highly restricted Critically Endangered Coughran, 2011). The premeditated stalking and hunting Euastacus morgani yes highly restricted n/a for live prey, including frogs, tadpoles and Competition threats and species displace- fish, is a known feeding behaviour of yabbies Euastacus neohirsutus yes restricted Least Concern ment. Euastacus pilosus yes highly restricted Endangered generally (Bradsell et al., 2002; Hawking Because of their superior biological et al., 2009; Merrick, 1993), but specific Euastacus polysetosus yes highly restricted Endangered attributes, translocated C. destructor Euastacus reductus yes restricted Least Concern studies are required to document this in have the potential to rapidly out–compete coastal habitats of NSW where translocated Euastacus rieki no restricted Endangered endemic crayfish species (Coughran et al., Euastacus simplex yes not restricted Vulnerable populations of C. destructor occur. of the 2009). The population at Fitzroy Falls, for more than 40 indigenous freshwater fish Euastacus spinichelatus yes highly restricted Endangered example, appears to be rapidly displacing an Euastacus spinifer no not restricted Least Concern species in coastal NSW (Allen et al., 2003), endemic crayfish, Euastacus dharawalus, only four are listed as threatened: Euastacus sulcatus no restricted Vulnerable which is now considered Critically Euastacus suttoni no not restricted Vulnerable •Eastern Freshwater Cod Maccullochella Endangered (IUCN, 2011, Coughran and ikei is a large species (growing to > 65 Euastacus valentulus yes not restricted Least Concern Furse, 2010; Furse & Coughran, 2011a, Euastacus yanga yes not restricted Least Concern cm) that displays parental guarding of egg b, c). The Australian Crayfish Project has masses (Allen et al., 2003; New South Euastacus sp. 1 yes highly restricted n/a been undertaking targeted surveys for E. Gramastacus sp. 1 yes highly restricted n/a Wales Fisheries, 2004), and is unlikely to be susceptible to predation by C. destructor. Gramastacus sp. 2 yes highly restricted n/a 1It is worth noting that there is an endemic crayfish, Tenuibranchiurus sp. 1 yes highly restricted n/a C. setosus, restricted to this coastal area that could •oxleyan Pigmy Perch Nannoperca Tenuibranchiurus sp. 2 yes highly restricted n/a be threatened by reproductive interference from the oxleyana is a small species (< 7 cm) that translocated C. destructor (McCormack & Coughran, inhabits lowland creek and wallum habitats 2011). Studies have shown that when crossed, the two in northeastern NSW (Allen et al., 2003). species produce sterile, all male offspring (Lawrence et al., 1998, 2000). At present, C. destructor is not known to TRANSLoCATED C. dEsTruCTor IN NEW SoUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA 7 6 7 J. Coughran & g. Daly The threat of further introductions of this dharawalus in recent years. When the species in NSW is real, and in the absence situation at Fitzroy Falls was first brought of education programs or mechanisms to to attention, a proposal was developed for Table 1. The coastal drainages of New South Wales support more than 40 species of freshwater crayfish, most of which are endemic to coastal drainages. These crayfish are listed as ‘restricted’ if their estimated distribution reduce the various introduction pathways, it continued and more specific population is <10,000km2, and as ‘highly restricted’ if their estimated distribution is <1,000km2. Current IUCN Red List is most likely that the species will continue to research on this species. However, relevant conservation classifications are provided where available become established in waterways throughout stakeholder agencies did not fund the Species Coastal Endemic Distribution Range Conservation Status (IUCN) all coastal drainages. initiative, on the basis that the issue was not of sufficiently high priority (McCormack, Cherax cuspidatus yes not restricted Least Concern Propensity to spread. pers. comm.). The situation at Fitzroy Falls Cherax leckii yes highly restricted Critically Endangered Cherax destructor has a high propensity has the potential to cause the extinction of Cherax setosus yes restricted n/a to spread and colonize new sites. The species the iconic native crayfish that is only known Engaeus cymus no not restricted Least Concern is known to leave the water and travel from that site, and similar situations could be Engaeus orientalis no restricted Least Concern overland considerable distances, and in some occurring elsewhere in coastal NSW. Euastacus australasiensis yes not restricted Least Concern cases en masse, to colonize new habitats The potential threat is not simply a matter Euastacus bidawalus yes restricted Endangered (olszewski, 1980; Barnham & Barker, of resource competition. overseas studies Euastacus brachythorax yes restricted Endangered 2009). It is environmentally tolerant and have found inter–specific interactions can Euastacus clarkae yes highly restricted Critically Endangered able to withstand extreme physicochemical influence species replacements in crayfishes Euastacus claytoni no restricted Endangered conditions (Beatty et al. 2005), enabling it through a complex range of processes, Euastacus crassus no restricted Endangered to occupy temporary habitats. Moreover, it involving factors such as reproductive Euastacus dalagarbe yes highly restricted Critically Endangered is highly fecund and capable of continual interference, aggressive dominance, Euastacus dangadi yes restricted Least Concern spawning when conditions are suitable, differential susceptibility to predation, habitat Euastacus dharawalus yes highly restricted Critically Endangered advantageous traits for the rapid colonization availability and quality, disturbance, health Euastacus gamilaroi no highly restricted Critically Endangered of new areas (Beatty et al., 2005). The status, growth, and spatial and temporal Euastacus girurmulayn yes highly restricted Critically Endangered species can persist in a variety of water access to food and shelter resources (Rabeni, Euastacus gumar yes highly restricted Endangered bodies, including temporary puddles, and 1985; Capelli & Munjal, 1982; Butler & Euastacus guruhgi yes highly restricted Critically Endangered may impact on a wide range of lentic and Stein, 1985; Lodge et al., 1986; Söderbäck, lotic species in coastal NSW. For example, Euastacus guwinus yes highly restricted Critically Endangered 1 1991; Mather & Stein, 1993; Garvey et al., Euastacus hirsutus yes restricted Endangered in the Newcastle region it has recently been 1994; Hill & Lodge, 1994). Euastacus jagabar yes highly restricted Critically Endangered found in forestry dams, creeks, drains and, Euastacus maccai no restricted Endangered at one site, in a vehicle rut (McCormack & Predation threats. Euastacus mirangudjin yes highly restricted Critically Endangered Coughran, 2011). The premeditated stalking and hunting Euastacus morgani yes highly restricted n/a for live prey, including frogs, tadpoles and Competition threats and species displace- fish, is a known feeding behaviour of yabbies Euastacus neohirsutus yes restricted Least Concern ment. Euastacus pilosus yes highly restricted Endangered generally (Bradsell et al., 2002; Hawking Because of their superior biological et al., 2009; Merrick, 1993), but specific Euastacus polysetosus yes highly restricted Endangered attributes, translocated C. destructor Euastacus reductus yes restricted Least Concern studies are required to document this in have the potential to rapidly out–compete coastal habitats of NSW where translocated Euastacus rieki no restricted Endangered endemic crayfish species (Coughran et al., Euastacus simplex yes not restricted Vulnerable populations of C. destructor occur. of the 2009). The population at Fitzroy Falls, for more than 40 indigenous freshwater fish Euastacus spinichelatus yes highly restricted Endangered example, appears to be rapidly displacing an Euastacus spinifer no not restricted Least Concern species in coastal NSW (Allen et al., 2003), endemic crayfish, Euastacus dharawalus, only four are listed as threatened: Euastacus sulcatus no restricted Vulnerable which is now considered Critically Euastacus suttoni no not restricted Vulnerable •Eastern Freshwater Cod Maccullochella Endangered (IUCN, 2011, Coughran and ikei is a large species (growing to > 65 Euastacus valentulus yes not restricted Least Concern Furse, 2010; Furse & Coughran, 2011a, Euastacus yanga yes not restricted Least Concern cm) that displays parental guarding of egg b, c). The Australian Crayfish Project has masses (Allen et al., 2003; New South Euastacus sp. 1 yes highly restricted n/a been undertaking targeted surveys for E. Gramastacus sp. 1 yes highly restricted n/a Wales Fisheries, 2004), and is unlikely to be susceptible to predation by C. destructor. Gramastacus sp. 2 yes highly restricted n/a 1It is worth noting that there is an endemic crayfish, Tenuibranchiurus sp. 1 yes highly restricted n/a C. setosus, restricted to this coastal area that could •oxleyan Pigmy Perch Nannoperca Tenuibranchiurus sp. 2 yes highly restricted n/a be threatened by reproductive interference from the oxleyana is a small species (< 7 cm) that translocated C. destructor (McCormack & Coughran, inhabits lowland creek and wallum habitats 2011). Studies have shown that when crossed, the two in northeastern NSW (Allen et al., 2003). species produce sterile, all male offspring (Lawrence et al., 1998, 2000). At present, C. destructor is not known to TRANSLoCATED C. dEsTruCTor IN NEW SoUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA 9 8 8 J. Coughran & g. Daly occur in N. oxleyana habitat, but this small species of frog that lay their eggs in still C. C. C. C. fish would likely be susceptible to predation water. In general, ponds and dams that C. impacts should C. destructor become support large populations of C. destructor established within its range in the future. appear devoid of tadpoles (G. Daly pers. •Macquarie Perch M a c q u a r i a obs.). Species of frog that lay their eggs in australasica is a medium species (~45 cm) masses, as opposed to those that lay single C. destructor with eggs that settle amongst the stones and eggs, are considered at most risk of mortality gravel of the stream bed (Primary Industries associated with predation of eggs by C. Fishing and Aquaculture 2012); these eggs destructor. Species that utilise ephemeral C. destructor C. destructor C. destructor are considered to be susceptible by predation ponds and have a relatively short aquatic C. destructor in a portion C. destructor in a portion by C. destructor, which is known to occur life phase are considered to have a lower within its range. risk than those that occur in more permanent •Purple Spotted Gudgeon Mogurnda habitats and/or have a longer aquatic life adspersa has experienced substantial declines phase. Species that lay their eggs in the far Rationale in both its inland and coastal populations of upper reaches of creeks (seepages) such C. destructor C. destructor C. destructor NSW (West 2008). Although males guard as members of the genus Pseudophryne the eggs, the small size of this fish (12 cm) and Philoria are also considered to have a would likely render both the eggs and the low risk of predation by C. destructor, as fish susceptible to predation impacts should these habitats are not favourable to yabbies.

istorically sympatric with natural distribution of C. destructor become established within Species that occur in restricted habitats such adpoles develop within skin fold on the back of adpoles develop in wallum swamps and are benthic adpoles develop in wallum swamps but are active Historically sympatric with natural distribution of High altitude species Historically sympatric with natural distribution of Breeds in alpine bogs Breeds in alpine bogs Historically sympatric with Breeds on creeks suitable for Historically sympatric with Historically sympatric with natural distribution of Breeds on creeks suitable for Breeds on creeks suitable for Sympatric with natural distribution of Eggs and tadpoles develop in nest cavity Eggs and tadpoles develop in nest cavity Eggs and tadpoles develop in nest cavity Eggs and tadpoles develop in nest cavity T H T Breeds in ephemeral ponds, eggs laid as sheet on Eggs laid in streams attached to sticks, susceptible Eggs laid in streams attached to sticks, susceptible T Eggs laid in streams attached to sticks, susceptible Eggs and tadpoles develop in nest cavity Eggs develop in nest cavity and live shall pools the distribution of its coastal populations in as montane forests (e.g. Litoria piperita, L. future. spenceri, L. daviesae, and L. subglandulosa) There are several coastal species of are considered to have a moderate risk of frog at potential risk from predation by C. impact, as Cherax destructor prefers warm destructor. The TSC Act 1995 (New South temperatures and is less likely to proliferate Assessment Wales Government, 2012) lists 29 frog in cold water in shaded environments Low Moderate Moderate Low Low Low High Low Moderate High Low High Low Low Low Low N/A Low Moderate Low Moderate High Moderate Moderate Low Low species that are either critically endangered (Withnall, 2000; Capinha & Anastácio, (5 spp.), endangered (12 spp) or vulnerable 2011). (12 spp.) to extinction (as at 8th July 2011). There is concern that C. destructor will of these species, two critically endangered, also cause significant impacts on those Risk four endangered and five threatened species species of frog that are currently not listed are considered at risk from impacts of C. under the Threatened Species Section (1995) destructor (Table 2). Four of these are Act, and may cause additional species to considered at high risk of being impacted be listed under that act. The greatest risk is Toadlet Toadlet by C. destructor, as they breed in creeks considered to be for those species endemic s Frog s Tree Frog Tree s (lotic) and lay their eggs in a single or to lowland habitats, lay eggs in masses and Tree Frog Tree s Froglet Tree Frog Tree several masses, hence making them more have a relatively slow aquatic phase. Species s Barred Frog s Frog susceptible to being eaten than species that such as the Blue Mountains Tree Frog

allum Frog lay their eggs as dispersed, single units. Litoria citropa, Haswell’s Froglet Paracrinia ellow–spotted Tree Frog Tree ellow–spotted Common Name Y Peppered Spotted Frog Southern Corroboree Frog Southern Corroboree Frog Green and Golden Bell Frog Stuttering Frog Booroolong Frog Alpine Fleay’ Painted Burrowing Frog Giant Barred Frog Loveridge’ Mountain Frog Pugh’ Richmond Range Frog Pouched frog Sloane’ W Green–thighed Frog Littlejohn’ Glandular Frog Sphagnum Frog Red–crowned Apart from Mixophyes fasciolatus, all other haswelli and species within the Litoria species of Barred frog, Mixophyes spp., in phyllochroa complex may be at risk. NSW are obligate stream breeders, whereas Predation impacts from translocated the Heath Frog is a species complex with C. destructor are also relevant to aquatic 1 2

2 populations in the Illawarra region of NSW invertebrates. The invertebrate fauna of 3

3 mainly breeding in streams. These threatened coastal NSW is not as well known as other 1 oboree 2 2

3 species are considered to be most at risk from groups, but four species of dragonfly are 2 ensis 3 o longburra Frog 1 3 1 1

2 populations in the Illawarra region of NSW invertebrates. The invertebrate fauna of 3

3 mainly breeding in streams. These threatened coastal NSW is not as well known as other 1 oboree 2 2

3 species are considered to be most at risk from groups, but four species of dragonfly are 2 ensis 3 o longburra Frog 1 3 1 1

2 C. destructor because of their reproductive currently listed as ‘endangered’ under State 3 3 biology (lay eggs on clumps or masses) and conservation legislation: Giant Dragonfly ea 2 the fact that they occur at relatively low Petalura gigantea, Coastal Petaltail altitude in habitat considered suitable for C. Petalura litorea, Adam’s Emerald Dragonfly destructor. Archaeophya adamsi, and the Sydney Cherax destructor also impacts on Hawk Dragonfly Austrocordulia leonardi. to listings under the TSC Act (1995): 1 indicates species listed as critically endangered, 2 3 vulnerable TSC to listings under the Table 2. Species of Table amphibian listed Act as (1995) threatened and under TSC risk the of impact from predation of tadpoles and or eggs Superscripts by relate C. destructor. Species Litoria castanea destructor Litoria piperita Litoria spenceri destructor Pseudophryne corr Pseudophryne pengilleyi Litoria aur of range. 2 Litoria booroolongensis Mixophyes fleayi destructor Mixophyes balbus 2 of range. alpina Litoria verreauxii Mixophyes iteratus Neobatrachus pictus 2 Philoria kundagungum 2 Philoria loveridgei Philoria pughi Philoria richmondensis Assa darlingtoni 3 frog Crinia sloanei destructor Crinia tinnula Litoria brevipalmata water surface, tadpoles develop rapidly Litoria daviesae predation by Litoria littlejohni midwater Litoria subglandulosa 3 predation by Litoria olongbur predation by Philoria sphagnicolus Pseudophryne australis 3 TRANSLoCATED C. dEsTruCTor IN NEW SoUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA 11 10 10 In general, dragonfly nymphs areJ. Clikelyoughran Potential & g. Daly pathogen threats. and Tasmania, where it has been listed as Clark, 1936. Hydrobiologia, 549: 219– to be susceptible to predation by yabbies, Cherax destructor is known to carry a noxious), C. destructor has continued to 237. although there is perhaps more chance of range of pathogens and parasites, including expand its distribution and colonise new Bradsell, P., Prince, J., Kuchling, G., & exposure for species that utilise surface the microsporidian protozoan Thelohania sp., areas (Lynas et al., 2004; Beatty et al., Knott, B., 2002. Aggressive interactions water habitats (A. adamsi and A. leonardi) the fungus saprolegnia sp. and the bacterium 2005; Threatened Species Section, 2006). between freshwater turtle, Chelodina than those that utilise bogs and swamps Pseudomonas sp. (Merrick, 1993). Currently The situation appears to be the same in oblonga, hatchlings and freshwater (Petalura spp.) (Department of Environment there are no observations of transmission to coastal NSW, where new populations are crayfish, Cherax spp.: implications for the and Conservation, 2005a,b; Department endemic species in the coastal environments increasingly being recorded. The potential conservation of the critically endangered of Primary Industries, 2005a,b). However, where C. destructor has been translocated, problems posed by this species require not western swamp turtle, Pseudemydura translocated yabbies could colonize swamp although the information base on existing just recognition, but co–ordinated research, umbrina. Wildlife Research, 29: 295–301. habitats, and observations of C. destructor pathogens and parasites of endemic coastal management and education efforts (Coughran Butler, M. J. IV., & Stein, R. A., 1985. An within the vicinity of recorded sites for any species is poor or absent. & Furse, 2012), and it is imperative that this analysis of the mechanisms governing of these threatened dragonfly species should is initiated as soon as possible to minimize species replacements in crayfish. be reported immediately. Potential impacts at the habitat and ecosys- the potential for damage. oecologia, 66: 168–177. one important consideration for the tem level. The coastal catchments of NSW have Capelli, G. M., 1982. Displacement potential for damage by C. destructor on Translocated C. destructor may cause a relatively high biodiversity, with many of northern Wisconsin crayfish by coastal ecosystems lies in the fact that the significant habitat destruction that may species of indigenous crayfish and frog orconectes rusticus (Girard). Limnology indigenous fauna may simply lack crucial adversely affect native flora and fauna in having restricted distributions. Until 2004, and oceanography, 27: 741–745. recognition cues for this invading species. coastal catchments of NSW. In southern no translocated populations of crayfish Capelli, G. M., & Munjal, B. L., 1982. Furthermore, C. destructor also displays a Australia where it has become established, were known from coastal NSW, but within Aggressive interactions and resource generally high level of aggressive behaviour it has destroyed macrophytes and caused a short timeframe numerous populations competition in relation to species compared to many coastal crayfishes (J. siltation, and has thus been recognized as of C. destructor and another species, the displacement among crayfish of the Coughran pers. obs.). Gherardi et al. (2002) a threat to the native fish Dwarf Galaxias, Redclaw C. quadricarinatus, have become genus orconectes. Journal of Crustacean also found that invasive C. destructor in Galaxiella pusilla (Threatened Species widely reported (Coughran & Leckie, 2007; Biology, 2: 486–492. Western Australia make faster and more Section, 2006). Elsewhere in the world, Coughran et al., 2009; Leland et al., 2012). Capinha, C., & Anastácio, P., 2011. Assessing appropriate use of alarm odours than the translocated crayfish compete with fish Taking action on this issue would therefore the environmental requirements of indigenous C. tenuimanus. for food, modify fish habitat by reducing appear to be of imminent importance. invaders using ensembles of distribution Because C. destructor is a very robust shelter, spawning and nursery areas, and models. Diversity and Distributions, 17: animal with broad environmental tolerances limit nutrient and food availability (Momot, Acknowledgements.—We thank Rob 13–24. it is capable of colonizing many aquatic 1995). For example, the invading orconectes McCormack for providing information Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2010. An habitats. The predation risk to endemic rusticus has not only significantly reduced regarding populations of C. destructor in assessment of genus Euastacus (49 coastal fauna could therefore be wide macrophytes, but in so doing, may have eastern New South Wales. species) versus IUCN Red List criteria. reaching. In Western Australia, Bradsell significantly reduced fish populations Report prepared for the global species (Capelli, 1982). The potential for adverse conservation assessment of crayfishes et al. (2002) considered the introduced LITERATURE CITED C. destructor more likely to present a habitat impacts from C. destructor in coastal for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H., & Allen, M., threat to the critically endangered western NSW should also be recognized, and could Species. The International Association of 2003. Field Guide to the Freshwater swamp turtle, Pseudemydura umbrina, result from rapid population growth and/ Astacology, 170 pp, Auburn, Alabama, Fishes of Australia (Revised Edition). than three native species of Cherax. The or different behaviour of C. destructor in USA. ISBN: 978–0–9805452–1–0. Western Australian Museum, Perth, turtle has a very restricted distribution and the receiving environment. For example, C. Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2012. Western Australia, 394 pp. laboratory experiments indicated that C. quadricarinatus display no burrowing ability Conservation of Freshwater Crayfish in Austin, C. M., 1985. Introduction of the destructor displayed higher aggression in their natural environment, but when they Australia. Special Issues of Crustacean yabbie, Cherax destructor (Decapoda: to turtle hatchlings than the indigenous became established in some overseas areas Research: in Press. Parastacidae) into southwestern Australia. C. quinquecarinatus. Cherax destructor they were found to construct large U–shaped Coughran, J., & Leckie, S. R., 2007. Western Australian Naturalist, 16: 78–82. is more a habitat generalist than all five burrows that compromised stream integrity Invasion of a New South Wales stream Barnham, C., & Barker, J., 2009. Fish Cherax endemic to Western Australia, and (Todd & D’Andrea, 2003). The occurrence by the Tropical Crayfish, Cherax Note 0082. Freshwater Fish of Victoria: was considered more likely to successfully of C. destructor in all coastal catchments quadricarinatus (von Martens). In: Yabbies. Department of Primary colonize the turtle habitat (Bradsell et al., of NSW, and in essentially all habitat types, Lunney, D., Eby, P., Hutchings, P., & Industries, Melbourne, Victoria, 3 pp. 2002). This is comparable to the current increases the potential for these impacts. Burgin, S., Pest or Guest: the Zoology Beatty, S., Morgan, D., & Gill, H., 2005. Role situation in eastern NSW, where most native of overabundance. Royal Zoological General remarks. of life history strategy in the colonisation coastal crayfishes have specific habitat Society of New South Wales, Mosman, Elsewhere in Australia where it has of Western Australian aquatic systems by requirements and, consequently, restricted New South Wales, Australia. Pp. 40–46. been introduced (e.g. Western Australia the introduced crayfish Cherax destructor distributions (Merrick, 1993). ISBN 978–0–9803272–1–2. TRANSLoCATED C. dEsTruCTor IN NEW SoUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA 11 10 11 In general, dragonfly nymphs areJ. Clikelyoughran Potential & g. Daly pathogen threats. and Tasmania, where it has been listed as Clark, 1936. Hydrobiologia, 549: 219– to be susceptible to predation by yabbies, Cherax destructor is known to carry a noxious), C. destructor has continued to 237. although there is perhaps more chance of range of pathogens and parasites, including expand its distribution and colonise new Bradsell, P., Prince, J., Kuchling, G., & exposure for species that utilise surface the microsporidian protozoan Thelohania sp., areas (Lynas et al., 2004; Beatty et al., Knott, B., 2002. Aggressive interactions water habitats (A. adamsi and A. leonardi) the fungus saprolegnia sp. and the bacterium 2005; Threatened Species Section, 2006). between freshwater turtle, Chelodina than those that utilise bogs and swamps Pseudomonas sp. (Merrick, 1993). Currently The situation appears to be the same in oblonga, hatchlings and freshwater (Petalura spp.) (Department of Environment there are no observations of transmission to coastal NSW, where new populations are crayfish, Cherax spp.: implications for the and Conservation, 2005a,b; Department endemic species in the coastal environments increasingly being recorded. The potential conservation of the critically endangered of Primary Industries, 2005a,b). However, where C. destructor has been translocated, problems posed by this species require not western swamp turtle, Pseudemydura translocated yabbies could colonize swamp although the information base on existing just recognition, but co–ordinated research, umbrina. Wildlife Research, 29: 295–301. habitats, and observations of C. destructor pathogens and parasites of endemic coastal management and education efforts (Coughran Butler, M. J. IV., & Stein, R. A., 1985. An within the vicinity of recorded sites for any species is poor or absent. & Furse, 2012), and it is imperative that this analysis of the mechanisms governing of these threatened dragonfly species should is initiated as soon as possible to minimize species replacements in crayfish. be reported immediately. Potential impacts at the habitat and ecosys- the potential for damage. oecologia, 66: 168–177. one important consideration for the tem level. The coastal catchments of NSW have Capelli, G. M., 1982. Displacement potential for damage by C. destructor on Translocated C. destructor may cause a relatively high biodiversity, with many of northern Wisconsin crayfish by coastal ecosystems lies in the fact that the significant habitat destruction that may species of indigenous crayfish and frog orconectes rusticus (Girard). Limnology indigenous fauna may simply lack crucial adversely affect native flora and fauna in having restricted distributions. Until 2004, and oceanography, 27: 741–745. recognition cues for this invading species. coastal catchments of NSW. In southern no translocated populations of crayfish Capelli, G. M., & Munjal, B. L., 1982. Furthermore, C. destructor also displays a Australia where it has become established, were known from coastal NSW, but within Aggressive interactions and resource generally high level of aggressive behaviour it has destroyed macrophytes and caused a short timeframe numerous populations competition in relation to species compared to many coastal crayfishes (J. siltation, and has thus been recognized as of C. destructor and another species, the displacement among crayfish of the Coughran pers. obs.). Gherardi et al. (2002) a threat to the native fish Dwarf Galaxias, Redclaw C. quadricarinatus, have become genus orconectes. Journal of Crustacean also found that invasive C. destructor in Galaxiella pusilla (Threatened Species widely reported (Coughran & Leckie, 2007; Biology, 2: 486–492. Western Australia make faster and more Section, 2006). Elsewhere in the world, Coughran et al., 2009; Leland et al., 2012). Capinha, C., & Anastácio, P., 2011. Assessing appropriate use of alarm odours than the translocated crayfish compete with fish Taking action on this issue would therefore the environmental requirements of indigenous C. tenuimanus. for food, modify fish habitat by reducing appear to be of imminent importance. invaders using ensembles of distribution Because C. destructor is a very robust shelter, spawning and nursery areas, and models. Diversity and Distributions, 17: animal with broad environmental tolerances limit nutrient and food availability (Momot, Acknowledgements.—We thank Rob 13–24. it is capable of colonizing many aquatic 1995). For example, the invading orconectes McCormack for providing information Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2010. An habitats. The predation risk to endemic rusticus has not only significantly reduced regarding populations of C. destructor in assessment of genus Euastacus (49 coastal fauna could therefore be wide macrophytes, but in so doing, may have eastern New South Wales. species) versus IUCN Red List criteria. reaching. In Western Australia, Bradsell significantly reduced fish populations Report prepared for the global species (Capelli, 1982). The potential for adverse conservation assessment of crayfishes et al. (2002) considered the introduced LITERATURE CITED C. destructor more likely to present a habitat impacts from C. destructor in coastal for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H., & Allen, M., threat to the critically endangered western NSW should also be recognized, and could Species. The International Association of 2003. Field Guide to the Freshwater swamp turtle, Pseudemydura umbrina, result from rapid population growth and/ Astacology, 170 pp, Auburn, Alabama, Fishes of Australia (Revised Edition). than three native species of Cherax. The or different behaviour of C. destructor in USA. ISBN: 978–0–9805452–1–0. Western Australian Museum, Perth, turtle has a very restricted distribution and the receiving environment. For example, C. Coughran, J., & Furse, J. M., 2012. Western Australia, 394 pp. laboratory experiments indicated that C. quadricarinatus display no burrowing ability Conservation of Freshwater Crayfish in Austin, C. M., 1985. Introduction of the destructor displayed higher aggression in their natural environment, but when they Australia. Special Issues of Crustacean yabbie, Cherax destructor (Decapoda: to turtle hatchlings than the indigenous became established in some overseas areas Research: in Press. Parastacidae) into southwestern Australia. C. quinquecarinatus. Cherax destructor they were found to construct large U–shaped Coughran, J., & Leckie, S. R., 2007. Western Australian Naturalist, 16: 78–82. is more a habitat generalist than all five burrows that compromised stream integrity Invasion of a New South Wales stream Barnham, C., & Barker, J., 2009. Fish Cherax endemic to Western Australia, and (Todd & D’Andrea, 2003). The occurrence by the Tropical Crayfish, Cherax Note 0082. Freshwater Fish of Victoria: was considered more likely to successfully of C. destructor in all coastal catchments quadricarinatus (von Martens). In: Yabbies. Department of Primary colonize the turtle habitat (Bradsell et al., of NSW, and in essentially all habitat types, Lunney, D., Eby, P., Hutchings, P., & Industries, Melbourne, Victoria, 3 pp. 2002). This is comparable to the current increases the potential for these impacts. Burgin, S., Pest or Guest: the Zoology Beatty, S., Morgan, D., & Gill, H., 2005. Role situation in eastern NSW, where most native of overabundance. Royal Zoological General remarks. of life history strategy in the colonisation coastal crayfishes have specific habitat Society of New South Wales, Mosman, Elsewhere in Australia where it has of Western Australian aquatic systems by requirements and, consequently, restricted New South Wales, Australia. Pp. 40–46. been introduced (e.g. Western Australia the introduced crayfish Cherax destructor distributions (Merrick, 1993). ISBN 978–0–9803272–1–2. TRANSLoCATED C. dEsTruCTor IN NEW SoUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA 13 12 12

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