Abstract

The distribution, density and status of the crayfishes Cambarus diogenes and Fallicambarus fodiens was evaluated in Canada. Surveys in possible habitats were conducted within and adjacent to the known Canadian ranges of the two species. The density (burrows/m2), habitat type and potential threats were evaluated for each population studied. Overall, eighteen populations of C. diogenes and thirty-four populations of F. fodiens were surveyed. The distribution of F. fodiens was extended north to the southeastern shores of Georgian Bay and East to the northeast shore of Lake Scugog. Eighteen percent of the populations occurred in protected areas and the burrow density ranged from 0.1 to 5.4/m2. The distribution of C .diogenes was extended significantly east to the Niagara Peninsula as well as the northeastern shoreline of Lake Erie. Thirty nine percent of the populations occurred in protected areas and the burrow density ranged from 0.25 to 4.5/m2. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that both species should be considered as threatened in Canada as the probability of habitat destruction and thus of local extinctions is high throughout the vast majority of their relatively restricted Canadian ranges. In the future, it is important to recognize the proposed status of these two species officially (by federal and provincial authorities) as well as to monitor and manage the populations of both species particularly those not found on reserved lands. Private landowners need to be made aware of the presence and significance of the species and encouraged to conserve the remaining populations.

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