How Raccoons Could Lead to the Disappearance of Native Crayfish in Central Italy

Tricarico, Elena and Ciampelli, Paola and De Cicco, Laura and Marsella, Sandro Aurelio and Petralia, Lorenzo and Rossi, Barbara and Zoccola, Antonio and Mazza, Giuseppe (2021) How Raccoons Could Lead to the Disappearance of Native Crayfish in Central Italy. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. ISSN 2296-701X

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Abstract

The white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex populations are decreasing in the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park (Central Italy), due to several factors, including illegal poaching, predatory fishes, drought, and invasive alien species. Recently, the Northern raccoon Procyon lotor has been reported to be present in the area of the National Park and has started to predate on the white-clawed crayfish. The aim of the study was to update the distribution and population status of A. pallipes in the reserves, other sites of the National Park, and surrounding areas to assess the potential effects of the raccoon. Crayfish were sampled by hand or by traps in 14 sites; sampled individuals were sexed and measured. Signs of raccoon presence (e.g., footprints and predated crayfish) were also recorded. Our study confirms the impact of raccoon on native crayfish: indeed, where the invasive mammal is present (six sites), crayfish disappeared, or their populations have been dramatically reduced in number, with a size distribution skewed towards juveniles. In two sites, close to urban settlements, fresh footprints of P. lotor and predated specimens of A. pallipes were also observed. Populations of crayfish are still abundant or even increasing as compared with samplings conducted in the past where raccoon is absent (five sites). Urgent actions (e.g., control of raccoons, and monitoring and restocking of A. pallipes populations if feasible and where possible) should be taken into account to guarantee the survival of this protected species.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: AP Academic Press > Multidisciplinary
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@apacademicpress.com
Date Deposited: 06 Jul 2023 04:12
Last Modified: 18 Oct 2024 04:14
URI: http://info.openarchivespress.com/id/eprint/1716

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