Effects of green areas and the urbanization process in the natural populations of the endemic freshwater crab Strengeriana fuhrmanni (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) in Colombia

Abstract

Urbanization is one of the main causes of fragmentation and loss of habitat under native diversity, being the green areas a key space to shelter and protect species inside the cities. In aquatic ecosystems, subtle changes can lead to a rapid decrease in the species populations. Strengeriana fuhrmanni is a species endemic to west-central Colombia that lives in clear waters, and is sensitive to environmental changes. This work aimed to determine the effects of green areas and the urbanization process in the natural populations of S. fuhrmanni in the mountains of Manizales (Colombia) and whether different types of green areas serve as the refuges for the species. For the occurrence records, collections were carried out through active search in streams, and specimens from the biological collection were analyzed. An analysis of niche modeling and quantification of environmental spaces in the city was carried out, based on the occurrences of the species in the streams. The modeling showed that S. fuhrmanni was widely distributed in the streams of Manizales city; however, the fragmentation of the environment, through urbanization, restricted the population. Regarding the quantification of environmental spaces, this species is occupying less than 50% of its original area. Finally, we emphasize the importance of the green spaces for the remaining populations of S. fuhrmanni, as the streams are still conserved in these areas and provide conditions for their occurrence. Given the rapid urbanization process, it is important to study biodiversity inside these areas to understand how this process affects species, in special endemic ones.