Abstract

México, with 53 described species, is one of the most crayfish-diverse countries, worldwide. Since 1955, when Villalobos presented his PhD dissertation, many new species have been described. At present at least five new species await scientific description. However, habitat destruction and degradation are great threats to survival of most of the crayfish populations. In addition, poverty in many regions of México results in over-exploitation of natural resources by local residents, especially by uncontrolled crayfishing. On the other hand, no, or very few, crayfish species are used in the international trade. As a result fishermen sell their produce at local markets at very low prices. Some aquaculturists think that the solution is to introduce Australian species or to spread P. clarkii into southern states of México. It is disturbing to note that there is little evidence that the public, let alone the relevant public authorities, perceive the potential ecological disaster, which might result from the uncontrolled spread of exotic crayfish in México.

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