A plan of restoration in Navarra for the native freshwater crayfish species of Spain, Austropotamobius pallipes

Abstract

This paper describes the attempts to protect and re-establish threatened populations of the native freshwater crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, of Navarra, Spain. Three species of crayfish are presently thriving in Navarra, the native species A. pallipes and the introduced North American species Pacifastacus leniusculus and Procambarus clarkii. Both species are known to carry the fungus Aphanomyces astaci in their cuticles and to transmite it to the native species. The management strategies implemented by the authorities in order to restore native populations of crayfish are discussed.