The co-occurrence and habitat characteristics of invasive Red swamp crayfish and two regionally endemic Procambarus taxa in Southeastern North Carolina

Freshwater crayfish are important components of freshwater ecosystems and have high levels of diversity in North America. However, native crayfish populations are facing increasing pressure from multiple stressors including the spread of invasive crayfish and habitat loss. The Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is an aggressive invader and can rapidly colonize a range of ecosystem types. Procambarus clarkii has colonized much of the eastern Carolinas in the last 20 years including the Lumber and Waccamaw River systems. These watersheds are also home to two native Procambarus species of state concern: the Sandhills crayfish (Procambarus pearsei) and the Waccamaw crayfish (Procambarus braswelli). Both state-protected species have limited ranges and declining distributions. Although these native crayfish typically inhabit vastly different environments, both also co-occur with P. clarkii. My research explores patterns of co-occurrence between native and invasive crayfishes and characterizes the habitat factors influencing their presence. Understanding the co-occurrence of the native and invasive crayfish species and their habitat requirements are crucial first steps in assessing the potential impacts of P. clarkii on these regionally endemic crayfishes.<p></p>