Crayfish as Global Invaders: Distribution, Impact on Ecosystem Services and Management Options
Published Online: 12/10/2013
Abstract
This review paper reports the identity of the crayfish species that have been subject to translocation within and between continents, and discusses the current and, for some species, future distribution range under anticipated climate change, and the impacts that one of the most extensively studied species, the red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii, inflicts on ecosystem services. Several management options aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of invasive alien crayfish are then examined, showing a promising progress in research. The paper concludes by observing that, if ‘do-nothing’ is the chosen management alternative, the only option we have in a changing world is to adapt to invasive alien crayfish and learn to live with them. However, this would cause the loss of heritage crayfish species and our sufferance from the consequent damage on ecosystem services.
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How to Cite
Gherardi F. (2013). Crayfish as Global Invaders: Distribution, Impact on Ecosystem Services and Management Options. Freshwater Crayfish 19(2):177-187. doi: 10.5869/fc.2013.v19-2.177
Author Information
Francesca Gherardi,* Department of Biology, University of Florence, Italy, Via Romana 17, Firenze, Firenze, Italy50125. E-mail: francesca.gherardi@unifi.it
Corresponding Author indicated by an *.
Publication History
Manuscript Submitted: 1/11/2013
Manuscript Accepted: 10/21/2013
Published Online: 12/10/2013
Published in Print: 12/10/2013
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No specific funding statement is available for this article.