Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present recent advances in strategies for native crayfish conservation, the different steps for managing being: (a) to protect, promote and restore the natural ecological integrity of the endangered ecosystem, (b) to ensure the viability of native species in harmony with the need for a healthy human environment, and (c) to educate and empower communities to practice good stewardship on public and private land. Concerning the management of crayfish populations themselves, biologists require firsthand knowledge of species distribution and life histories. As the size of populations decrease, loss of genetic diversity reduces their ability to adapt to changes in the environment, with inbreeding depression. Isolated populations may have trouble maintaining the genetic integrity and variability needed for their long-term survival. Consequently there is an increasing importance of conservation genetics. Once the genetic relationships are described, management techniques must then be applied by wildlife managers to preserve biological diversity in crayfish species. Legislation aspects and education of the citizen need to be significantly improved. Different types of management actions will be illustrated by some case studies taken throughout the world. In Europe, because of traditionally high level of interest in the crayfish as a keystone species in aquatic systems, their decline has been attributed not only to the deterioration of habitat and water quality but also to an epizootic fungal disease introduced by American crayfish species. By gathering scientists and managers involved in the conservation of native crayfish populations and their management, the European Thematic Network, CRAYNET “European Crayfish as Keystone Species -Linking Science, Management and Economics with Sustainable Environmental Quality-”, will strongly encourage interdisciplinary connections which generate applied management programmes aimed at conserving the aquatic heritage.

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