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Joanne Cable - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Crayfish plague affects juvenile survival and adult behaviour of invasive Signal Crayfish
Parasitology, 2020Co-Authors: J. D. R. Thomas, Chloe Victoria Robinson, Agata Mrugala, Amy Ellison, Emily Matthews, Siân W Griffiths, Sofia Consuegra, Joanne CableAbstract:The spread of invasive, non-native species is a key threat to biodiversity. Parasites can play a significant role by influencing their invasive host’s survival or behaviour, which can subsequently alter invasion dynamics. The North American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a known carrier of Aphanomyces astaci, an oomycete pathogen that is the causative agent of Crayfish plague and fatal to European Crayfish species, whereas North American species are considered to be largely resistant. There is some evidence, however, that North American species, can also succumb to Crayfish plague, though how A. astaci affects such ‘reservoir hosts’ is rarely considered. Here, we tested the impact of A. astaci infection on Signal Crayfish, by assessing juvenile survival and adult behaviour following exposure to A. astaci zoospores. Juvenile Signal Crayfish suffered high mortality 4-weeks post-hatching, but not as older juveniles. Furthermore, adult Signal Crayfish with high infection levels displayed altered behaviours, being less likely to leave the water, explore terrestrial areas and exhibit escape responses. Overall, we reveal that A. astaci infection affects Signal Crayfish to a much greater extent than previously considered, which may not only have direct consequences for invasions, but could substantially affect commercially harvested Signal Crayfish stocks worldwide.
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terrestrial dispersal of invasive Signal Crayfish during vulnerable life stages
Behavioural Processes, 2018Co-Authors: J. D. R. Thomas, Joanne Cable, James Fisher, Siân W GriffithsAbstract:Abstract 1. Aquatic invertebrates commonly disperse between waterbodies by flight, though some decapods can emigrate from the water and walk overland. 2. The Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus, Dana) is a highly invasive species that can survive for days to weeks out of water, though it is unclear to what extent vulnerable life stages, such as ovigerous females or juvenile Crayfish, terrestrially emigrate. Understanding this behaviour is important to consider during the management of Crayfish stocks, since a single ovigerous female could potentially introduce hundreds of hatchlings to a new waterbody, which could themselves disperse overland. 3. Here, in a laboratory study, we examined the terrestrial emigration tendency of juvenile Crayfish and compared the terrestrial emigration behaviour and overland walking speed of ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. 4. Size had a significant influence on juvenile Crayfish terrestrial emigration tendency, where only those larger than 16.6 mm (carapace length) left the water. Ovigerous and non-ovigerous female Signal Crayfish showed no significant difference in terrestrial emigration tendency nor overland walking speed. 5. This is the first study to directly examine the terrestrial emigration behaviour of Crayfish during these different life stages. These findings highlight the importance of considering animal behaviour during management strategies.
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genetic diversity and parasite facilitated establishment of the invasive Signal Crayfish pacifastacus leniusculus in great britain
Ecology and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Carlos Garcia De Leaniz, Pablo Orozcoterwengel, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:Successful establishment of non‐native species is strongly influenced, among other factors, by the genetic variation of founding populations, which can be enhanced by multiple introductions through admixture. Coexisting pathogens can also facilitate the establishment of non‐native species by detrimentally impacting on the native fauna acting as novel weapons. The Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a highly invasive species, which has caused mass declines of native Crayfish in Europe through displacement and transmission of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci (Crayfish plague), which is typically lethal to native European Crayfish. However, whether Aphanomyces astaci may have facilitated the invasion of the Signal Crayfish is not known. We estimated the genetic diversity at microsatellite DNA loci, effective population size, and potential origins of seven infected and noninfected Signal Crayfish populations in Europe and one founder population in North America. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis and population structuring suggested multiple host introductions from diverse source populations, as well as higher heterozygosity among infected than uninfected populations, which could reflect a fitness advantage. Low effective population size, moderate heterozygosity, and lack of isolation by distance suggest that some invasive Signal Crayfish populations may not be fully established or that their genetic diversity may have been reduced by eradication attempts.
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simultaneous detection of invasive Signal Crayfish endangered white clawed Crayfish and the Crayfish plague pathogen using environmental dna
Biological Conservation, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Tamsyn Uren M Webster, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:Abstract Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are important vectors for the introduction of novel pathogens which can, in turn, become drivers of rapid ecological and evolutionary change, compromising the persistence of native species. Conservation strategies rely on accurate information regarding presence and distribution of AIS and their associated pathogens to prevent or mitigate negative impacts, such as predation, displacement or competition with native species for food, space or breeding sites. Environmental DNA is increasingly used as a conservation tool for early detection and monitoring of AIS. We used a novel eDNA high-resolution melt curve (HRM) approach to simultaneously detect the UK endangered native Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), the highly invasive Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and their dominant pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci (causative agent of Crayfish plague). We validated the approach using laboratory and field samples in areas with known presence or absence of both Crayfish species as well as the pathogen, prior to the monitoring of areas where their presence was unknown. We identified the presence of infected Signal Crayfish further upstream than previously detected in an area where previous intensive eradication attempts had taken place, and the coexistence of both species in plague free catchments. We also detected the endangered native Crayfish in an area where trapping had failed. With this method, we could estimate the distribution of native and invasive Crayfish and their infection status in a rapid, cost effective and highly sensitive way, providing essential information for the development of conservation strategies in catchments with populations of endangered native Crayfish.
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the prevalence of aphanomyces astaci in invasive Signal Crayfish from the uk and implications for native Crayfish conservation
Parasitology, 2017Co-Authors: Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Agata Mrugala, Adam Petrusek, S Nutbeamtuffs, N Vinuelarodriguez, Birgit OidtmannAbstract:The Crayfish plague agent, Aphanomyces astaci, has spread throughout Europe, causing a significant decline in native European Crayfish. The introduction and dissemination of this pathogen is attributed to the spread of invasive North American Crayfish, which can act as carriers for A. astaci. As native European Crayfish often succumb to infection with A. astaci, determining the prevalence of this pathogen in non-native Crayfish is vital to prioritize native Crayfish populations for managed translocation. In the current study, 23 populations of invasive Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) from the UK were tested for A. astaci presence using quantitative PCR. Altogether, 13 out of 23 (56·5%) populations were found to be infected, and pathogen prevalence within infected sites varied from 3 to 80%. Microsatellite pathogen genotyping revealed that at least one UK Signal Crayfish population was infected with the A. astaci genotype group B, known to include virulent strains. Based on recent Crayfish distribution records and the average rate of Signal Crayfish population dispersal, we identified one native white-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) population predicted to come into contact with infected Signal Crayfish within 5 years. This population should be considered as a priority for translocation.
Joanna James - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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simultaneous detection of invasive Signal Crayfish endangered white clawed Crayfish and the Crayfish plague pathogen using environmental dna
Biological Conservation, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Tamsyn Uren M Webster, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:Abstract Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are important vectors for the introduction of novel pathogens which can, in turn, become drivers of rapid ecological and evolutionary change, compromising the persistence of native species. Conservation strategies rely on accurate information regarding presence and distribution of AIS and their associated pathogens to prevent or mitigate negative impacts, such as predation, displacement or competition with native species for food, space or breeding sites. Environmental DNA is increasingly used as a conservation tool for early detection and monitoring of AIS. We used a novel eDNA high-resolution melt curve (HRM) approach to simultaneously detect the UK endangered native Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), the highly invasive Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and their dominant pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci (causative agent of Crayfish plague). We validated the approach using laboratory and field samples in areas with known presence or absence of both Crayfish species as well as the pathogen, prior to the monitoring of areas where their presence was unknown. We identified the presence of infected Signal Crayfish further upstream than previously detected in an area where previous intensive eradication attempts had taken place, and the coexistence of both species in plague free catchments. We also detected the endangered native Crayfish in an area where trapping had failed. With this method, we could estimate the distribution of native and invasive Crayfish and their infection status in a rapid, cost effective and highly sensitive way, providing essential information for the development of conservation strategies in catchments with populations of endangered native Crayfish.
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genetic diversity and parasite facilitated establishment of the invasive Signal Crayfish pacifastacus leniusculus in great britain
Ecology and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Carlos Garcia De Leaniz, Pablo Orozcoterwengel, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:Successful establishment of non‐native species is strongly influenced, among other factors, by the genetic variation of founding populations, which can be enhanced by multiple introductions through admixture. Coexisting pathogens can also facilitate the establishment of non‐native species by detrimentally impacting on the native fauna acting as novel weapons. The Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a highly invasive species, which has caused mass declines of native Crayfish in Europe through displacement and transmission of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci (Crayfish plague), which is typically lethal to native European Crayfish. However, whether Aphanomyces astaci may have facilitated the invasion of the Signal Crayfish is not known. We estimated the genetic diversity at microsatellite DNA loci, effective population size, and potential origins of seven infected and noninfected Signal Crayfish populations in Europe and one founder population in North America. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis and population structuring suggested multiple host introductions from diverse source populations, as well as higher heterozygosity among infected than uninfected populations, which could reflect a fitness advantage. Low effective population size, moderate heterozygosity, and lack of isolation by distance suggest that some invasive Signal Crayfish populations may not be fully established or that their genetic diversity may have been reduced by eradication attempts.
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the prevalence of aphanomyces astaci in invasive Signal Crayfish from the uk and implications for native Crayfish conservation
Parasitology, 2017Co-Authors: Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Agata Mrugala, Adam Petrusek, S Nutbeamtuffs, N Vinuelarodriguez, Birgit OidtmannAbstract:The Crayfish plague agent, Aphanomyces astaci, has spread throughout Europe, causing a significant decline in native European Crayfish. The introduction and dissemination of this pathogen is attributed to the spread of invasive North American Crayfish, which can act as carriers for A. astaci. As native European Crayfish often succumb to infection with A. astaci, determining the prevalence of this pathogen in non-native Crayfish is vital to prioritize native Crayfish populations for managed translocation. In the current study, 23 populations of invasive Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) from the UK were tested for A. astaci presence using quantitative PCR. Altogether, 13 out of 23 (56·5%) populations were found to be infected, and pathogen prevalence within infected sites varied from 3 to 80%. Microsatellite pathogen genotyping revealed that at least one UK Signal Crayfish population was infected with the A. astaci genotype group B, known to include virulent strains. Based on recent Crayfish distribution records and the average rate of Signal Crayfish population dispersal, we identified one native white-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) population predicted to come into contact with infected Signal Crayfish within 5 years. This population should be considered as a priority for translocation.
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the impact of streetlights on an aquatic invasive species artificial light at night alters Signal Crayfish behaviour
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2016Co-Authors: Joanna James, J. D. R. Thomas, Sian Wyn Griffiths, W D Riley, Rhian Newman, Joanne CableAbstract:Artificial light at night (ALAN) can significantly alter the behaviour, communication and orientation of animals, and will potentially interact with other stressors to affect biodiversity. Invasive, non-native species are one of the largest threats to freshwater biodiversity; however, the impact of ALAN on such species is unknown. This study assessed the effects of ALAN at ecologically relevant levels on the behaviour of a globally widespread invasive species, the Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). In experimental aquaria, Crayfish were exposed to periods of daylight, control (<0.1 lx) and street-lit nights to test two hypotheses: (1) Signal Crayfish under natural conditions are nocturnal animals, spending more time in shelter during the day, whilst active and interacting during the night, and (2) ALAN reduces Crayfish activity and intraspecific interactions, whilst increasing their propensity to use shelter. Our results confirm that Signal Crayfish are largely nocturnal, showing peak activity and interaction levels during control nights, whilst taking refuge during daylight hours. When exposed to short-term simulated light pollution from a streetlight at night however, activity and interactions with conspecifics were significantly reduced compared to control nights, whilst time spent in shelters increased. By altering Crayfish behaviour, ALAN may change the ecosystem impacts of invasive Crayfish in the wild. This study is the first to show an impact of ALAN on the behaviour of an invasive, non-native species, and provides information for the management of invasive Crayfish in areas where ALAN is prevalent.
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The impact of streetlights on an aquatic invasive species: Artificial light at night alters Signal Crayfish behaviour
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2016Co-Authors: J. D. R. Thomas, Joanna James, Sian Wyn Griffiths, W D Riley, Rhian Newman, Joanne CableAbstract:Artificial light at night (ALAN) can significantly alter the behaviour, communication and orientation of animals, and will potentially interact with other stressors to affect biodiversity. Invasive, non-native species are one of the largest threats to freshwater biodiversity; however, the impact of ALAN on such species is unknown. This study assessed the effects of ALAN at ecologically relevant levels on the behaviour of a globally widespread invasive species, the Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). In experimental aquaria, Crayfish were exposed to periods of daylight, control (
Sofia Consuegra - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Crayfish plague affects juvenile survival and adult behaviour of invasive Signal Crayfish
Parasitology, 2020Co-Authors: J. D. R. Thomas, Chloe Victoria Robinson, Agata Mrugala, Amy Ellison, Emily Matthews, Siân W Griffiths, Sofia Consuegra, Joanne CableAbstract:The spread of invasive, non-native species is a key threat to biodiversity. Parasites can play a significant role by influencing their invasive host’s survival or behaviour, which can subsequently alter invasion dynamics. The North American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a known carrier of Aphanomyces astaci, an oomycete pathogen that is the causative agent of Crayfish plague and fatal to European Crayfish species, whereas North American species are considered to be largely resistant. There is some evidence, however, that North American species, can also succumb to Crayfish plague, though how A. astaci affects such ‘reservoir hosts’ is rarely considered. Here, we tested the impact of A. astaci infection on Signal Crayfish, by assessing juvenile survival and adult behaviour following exposure to A. astaci zoospores. Juvenile Signal Crayfish suffered high mortality 4-weeks post-hatching, but not as older juveniles. Furthermore, adult Signal Crayfish with high infection levels displayed altered behaviours, being less likely to leave the water, explore terrestrial areas and exhibit escape responses. Overall, we reveal that A. astaci infection affects Signal Crayfish to a much greater extent than previously considered, which may not only have direct consequences for invasions, but could substantially affect commercially harvested Signal Crayfish stocks worldwide.
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effect of artificial barriers on the distribution of the invasive Signal Crayfish and chinese mitten crab
Scientific Reports, 2019Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Carlos Garcia De Leaniz, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:: The role of river obstacles in preventing or facilitating the dispersal and establishment of aquatic invasive species is controversial. Novel detection tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used for monitoring aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as the American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), providing information on the effect of barriers on their distribution. We analysed eDNA from both water and surface sediment in three river catchments (Medway, Dee and Stour; Great Britain), with differing levels of connectivity, to determine spatial distribution of the two species, and assessed the effect of barriers on their eDNA detection. Positive eDNA detections were obtained within confirmed sites for both species in all catchments, with evidence of species overlap in the River Medway. Upstream barriers in the Medway positively influenced detection success of mitten crab lower in the catchment while detection success of Signal Crayfish was higher in the highly fragmented catchment (River Medway). This information on the role of river barriers on AIS distribution and eDNA detection is important for management strategies and for predicting both future dispersal and likelihood of new colonisations in previously uninvaded fragmented catchments.
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genetic diversity and parasite facilitated establishment of the invasive Signal Crayfish pacifastacus leniusculus in great britain
Ecology and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Carlos Garcia De Leaniz, Pablo Orozcoterwengel, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:Successful establishment of non‐native species is strongly influenced, among other factors, by the genetic variation of founding populations, which can be enhanced by multiple introductions through admixture. Coexisting pathogens can also facilitate the establishment of non‐native species by detrimentally impacting on the native fauna acting as novel weapons. The Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is a highly invasive species, which has caused mass declines of native Crayfish in Europe through displacement and transmission of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci (Crayfish plague), which is typically lethal to native European Crayfish. However, whether Aphanomyces astaci may have facilitated the invasion of the Signal Crayfish is not known. We estimated the genetic diversity at microsatellite DNA loci, effective population size, and potential origins of seven infected and noninfected Signal Crayfish populations in Europe and one founder population in North America. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis and population structuring suggested multiple host introductions from diverse source populations, as well as higher heterozygosity among infected than uninfected populations, which could reflect a fitness advantage. Low effective population size, moderate heterozygosity, and lack of isolation by distance suggest that some invasive Signal Crayfish populations may not be fully established or that their genetic diversity may have been reduced by eradication attempts.
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simultaneous detection of invasive Signal Crayfish endangered white clawed Crayfish and the Crayfish plague pathogen using environmental dna
Biological Conservation, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Victoria Robinson, Joanna James, Joanne Cable, Tamsyn Uren M Webster, Sofia ConsuegraAbstract:Abstract Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are important vectors for the introduction of novel pathogens which can, in turn, become drivers of rapid ecological and evolutionary change, compromising the persistence of native species. Conservation strategies rely on accurate information regarding presence and distribution of AIS and their associated pathogens to prevent or mitigate negative impacts, such as predation, displacement or competition with native species for food, space or breeding sites. Environmental DNA is increasingly used as a conservation tool for early detection and monitoring of AIS. We used a novel eDNA high-resolution melt curve (HRM) approach to simultaneously detect the UK endangered native Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), the highly invasive Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and their dominant pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci (causative agent of Crayfish plague). We validated the approach using laboratory and field samples in areas with known presence or absence of both Crayfish species as well as the pathogen, prior to the monitoring of areas where their presence was unknown. We identified the presence of infected Signal Crayfish further upstream than previously detected in an area where previous intensive eradication attempts had taken place, and the coexistence of both species in plague free catchments. We also detected the endangered native Crayfish in an area where trapping had failed. With this method, we could estimate the distribution of native and invasive Crayfish and their infection status in a rapid, cost effective and highly sensitive way, providing essential information for the development of conservation strategies in catchments with populations of endangered native Crayfish.
David C Aldridge - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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predation by the invasive american Signal Crayfish pacifastacus leniusculus dana on the invasive zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha pallas the potential for control and facilitation
Hydrobiologia, 2011Co-Authors: Philine Zu S E Ermgassen, David C AldridgeAbstract:Non-indigenous Crayfish often have major ecological impacts on invaded water bodies, and have contributed to the decline of native Crayfish species throughout Europe. The American Signal Crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, is the most widespread invasive Crayfish in Great Britain, where the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is similarly an invasive pest species. The potential for the American Signal Crayfish to regulate zebra mussel populations was investigated through a series of laboratory experiments. Crayfish were found to be highly size selective, consuming significantly more of the smallest size class of zebra mussels offered (7–12 mm), over medium (16–21 mm) and large (25–30 mm). Crayfish feeding rate on zebra mussels was not altered when mussels were presented clumped together in natural druses compared with mussels in a disassembled druse. Crayfish spent significantly more time foraging when mussels were unattached, and a greater proportion of attacks were on medium and large than on small mussels (83% of attacks were on medium and large mussels when unattached as opposed to 47% when on druses). Individual Crayfish feeding rate decreased significantly at densities of > ~5 Crayfish m−2. Signal Crayfish are, therefore, unlikely to be able to significantly impact established populations of zebra mussels in the wild, although zebra mussels have the potential to provide Crayfish with a substantial food source.
Trude Vrålstad - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Non-indigenous Signal Crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus are now common in Danish streams: preliminary status for national distribution and protective actions
Biological Invasions, 2011Co-Authors: Christian Skov, Trude Vrålstad, Kim Aarestrup, Finn Sivebæk, Stig Pedersen, Søren BergAbstract:North American Signal Crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus ) are invasive in Europe and pose a serious threat to indigenous European Crayfish such as the noble Crayfish ( Astacus astacus ). This is mainly because Signal Crayfish is the carrier of Crayfish plague agent, Aphanomyces astaci, which freshwater Crayfish from all other continents are highly susceptible to. Until recently, the distribution of Signal Crayfish in Danish streams has been considered local and restricted to a small geographical area. Here we present data demonstrating that Signal Crayfish are now widespread in Denmark, including the largest Danish river, River Gudenå. For one of the rivers where co-existing Signal Crayfish and indigenous noble Crayfish were documented, sensitive molecular tests could not detect the Crayfish plague agent Aphanomyces astaci in either species. Hence, it seems that not all Signal Crayfish are chronic carriers of the disease. For the remaining freshwater systems with the introduced Signal Crayfish, the infection status is presently unknown. Large areas of the freshwater systems in Denmark also remain unexplored with respect to presence/absence of Signal Crayfish and noble Crayfish. Nevertheless, our preliminary data that covers about 14% of the Danish rivers, strongly suggests that Signal Crayfish should be considered as a common invader that poses an increased threat to the biota in Danish streams, in particular for the indigenous noble Crayfish.
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The first record of the non-indigenous Signal Crayfish Pasifastacus leniusculus in Norway
Biological Invasions, 2007Co-Authors: Stein I. Johnsen, Trond Taugbøl, Oddgeir Andersen, Jon Museth, Trude VrålstadAbstract:The non-indigenous Signal Crayfish Pasifastacus leniusculus was registered for the first time in Norway in October 2006. The location represents an isolated pond about 100 km in air line from the nearest known Signal Crayfish population in the neighbouring country Sweden without any connecting watercourses. The occurrence is therefore undoubtedly caused by human introduction. Molecular analyses confirmed that tested individuals from the Signal Crayfish population were carriers of the Crayfish plague agent Aphanomyces astaci . Disease carrying Signal Crayfish represents a severe threat to the indigenous and endangered noble Crayfish Astacus astacus . Norwegian authorities are currently considering actions for the eradication of the Signal Crayfish population.
