Details of this species in Donana National Park Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Established
Source: Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999 Arrival Date:
Introduction: Unknown Species Notes for this Location:
Introduced into the Lower Basin of the Guadalquivir River in 1974, Procambarus clarkii reached the freshwater marsh of the Donana National Park in the same year and has since then reached both temporary freshwater marshes and some permanent aquatic systems in the Donana National Park (Gutierrez-Yurrita et al. 1999; Montes et al. 1993, in Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999). Management Notes for this Location:
Suggested management options to control Procambarus clarkii in the Donana National Park have focussed on maintaining an economically viable and sustainable population of P. clarkii by controlling population density through: (1) physically removing individuals through non-intrusive controlled fishing, and (2) managing the water regime through water retention or release (using the established dike systems) (Gutierrez-Yurrita et al. 1999; Gutierrez-Yurrita, 1997, in Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999). Both methods reduce intraspecific competition and have a minimal impact on the critical habitat and direct mortality of aquatic birds, amphibians and reptiles which co-habit the freshwater marshes (Momot, 1993; McClain and Romaire, 1995; Yeh and Rouse, 1995; Ackefors, 1998;Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1998a; Gutierrez-Yurrita et al. 1997, in Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999). Location Notes:
Donana National Park is a temporary freshwater marsh at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. The marsh in the usually floods from October to March, with a period of water retention of 3 months. The water levels decrease progressively from May to June, when the marsh dries out completely (Montes et al. 1998). Impacts:
Competition: The reproductive success of Procambarus clarkii, its ability to tolerate environmental extremes, and its opportunistic diet make it a great coloniser of new habitats and exploiter of natural resources (Momot, 1995; Gutierrez-Yurrita et al., 1998; Kreider and Watts, 1998). P. clarkii adapts surprisingly easily and rapidly to the hydrological conditions and temperatures of a new environement. Its physiological, feeding, defensive and reproductive behaviours may all be modified to fit into the prevailing environmental conditions allowing it to compete with native species (Gaude, 1983; Gutierrez-Yurrita et al.; 1996; Ilheu and Bernardo, 1996; Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999).
Competition: Procambarus clarkii reduced suvivorship of the Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita in Donana Natural Park (Cruz et al, 2006b).
Ecosystem change: In the Donana National Park, Spain, Procambarus clarkii acts as an ecological engineer species, substantially reducing submerged macrophyte biomass and reducing the availability of macrophytes, invertebrates and safe refuges for other species (Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1998b, in Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999).
Habitat alteration: At high densities Procambarus clarkii significantly reduces aquatic macrophyte biomass, modifying the routes of energy transfer and the availability of food resources and refuges for other species and significantly altering the structure and function of the marsh. Affected species include bladderworts (Utricularia australis and Utricularia exoleta) and water-milfoil (Myriophyllum alterniflorum and Ranunculus peltatus); as well as associated mollusc species such as Lymnaea peregra and Lymnaea stagnalis (Chambers et al.; 1990; Nystro and Strand; 1996; Gutierrez-Yurrita et al., 1998; Montes et al., 1993; Gutierrez-Yurrita, 1997, in Gutierrez-Yurrita and Montes, 1999). Last Modified: 1/03/2011 12:52:39 p.m.
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