Journal article
Increasing the chances of successful reintroduction of white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) in the Peak District National Park, UK
The international journal of biodiversity science & management, v 3(4)
01 Dec 2007
Abstract
The current strategy for conserving white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, contained in the United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan includes reintroduction to isolated water, free of signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus.
The purpose of this project was to improve the chances of successful reintroduction of white-clawed crayfish into the River Lathkill in the Peak District National Park and to demonstrate how the method might be applicable to other reintroduction and captive breeding schemes. The method focussed on the habitat requirements of white-clawed crayfish, in particular the need of younger crayfish to conceal themselves from predators. Cages were built which provided juvenile crayfish with hides. The cages were tested in the river and juvenile growth and survival were recorded. Adult crayfish survival was only 50% annually whilst survival of juveniles was much less. Despite this, the habitat within the cages protected crayfish during moult and is thought to have increased their survival rate. The project has provided evidence for development of a successful reintroduction and captive breeding programme for white-clawed crayfish that will enable the conservation strategy to be undertaken more effectively.
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2 citations in Scopus
Details
- Title
- Increasing the chances of successful reintroduction of white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) in the Peak District National Park, UK
- Creators
- David RogersElizabeth Watson
- Publication Details
- The international journal of biodiversity science & management, v 3(4)
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Group
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-38349002491
- Other Identifier
- 991019298820904721