Evaluation of physicochemical and physical habitat associations for<i>Cambarus callainus</i>(Big Sandy crayfish), an imperilled crayfish endemic to the Central Appalachians

Loughman, Zachary J.; Welsh, Stuart A.; Sadecky, Nicole M.; Dillard, Zachary; Scott, R. Katie

doi:10.1002/aqc.2746

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 26 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…These findings provide evidence that F. eupunctus may not be as strongly associated with riffles as previously hypothesized (Pflieger 1996) and affirm the need to sample alternative habitat types (i.e., not just riffles/runs) in surveys for crayfishes. Further, our findings supplement a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of physical mi-crohabitat features for endemic crayfishes (Usio 2007, Welsh and Loughman 2015, Loughman et al 2017, Stites et al 2017. However, we acknowledge that other environmental features not investigated here, such as water chemistry (Allert et al 2008) or density-dependent factors (Stein 1977), can similarly affect crayfish densities.…”

Section: Modelsupporting

confidence: 76%

Targeted microhabitat sampling and its role in conserving endemic freshwater taxa

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

North America harbors a rich freshwater fauna, but many of its taxa are narrowly-distributed and threatened with future range reductions from invasive species, habitat alterations, and water quality degradation. The importance of conserving narrowly-distributed freshwater species is well documented, but mechanisms responsible for their distributions are often poorly understood. Developing approaches to better address these species and their unique habitat requirements is critical for providing adequate conservation. We demonstrate the value of fine-scale sampling for narrowly-distributed taxa through a case study of the Coldwater Crayfish (Faxonius eupunctus), a species endemic to the upper Eleven Point River drainage in Arkansas and Missouri, USA. We targeted the upper Eleven Point River drainage for sampling based on results from previously-constructed classification and regression tree species presence models. We estimated F. eupunctus presence and density in shallow, wadeable habitats where lotic crayfishes are often surveyed (i.e., riffles), and we developed a novel approach to estimate F. eupunctus presence and density in deeper, non-wadeable habitats (i.e., pools) where traditional crayfish sampling techniques can be difficult and have rarely been used. We quantified relationships between local F. eupunctus density and surrounding physical microhabitat features in both pools and riffles to provide insights on the species' habitat use and potential for future conservation. Our targeted sampling approach allowed us to detect a previously-undocumented spatial pattern in F. eupunctus site density throughout the upper Eleven Point River drainage, and we identified important microhabitat variables for F. eupunctus in both habitat types sampled. Our study highlights the benefits of fine-scale sampling in multiple habitat types for conserving narrowly-endemic species, and our methods provide a flexible framework for studying other benthic taxa at fine spatial scales.

show abstract

Section: Modelsupporting

confidence: 76%

Targeted microhabitat sampling and its role in conserving endemic freshwater taxa

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Throughout the southern USA, many crayfish are highly sensitive to changes in habitat quality (Walls, 2009; Moore, DiStefano & Larson, 2013; Welsh & Loughman, 2015). This is especially true for those that are range‐limited, as their habitats suffer increasing rates of human land‐use change (Bland et al, 2017; Loughman et al, 2017). The construction of dams (Adams, 2013), increased sedimentation (Rosewarne et al, 2014; Loughman et al, 2016; Loughman et al, 2017), and loss of functional riparian connectivity (Parkyn & Collier, 2004) all limit the dispersal of aquatic macroinvertebrates in lotic systems (Adams, 2013).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and habitat use of a rare native crayfish: Implications for conserving Data Deficient species

Hays

Pease

Fleming

et al. 2023

Aquatic Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Few observations exist for the Kisatchie painted crayfish (Faxonius maletae), and little is known about its distribution, habitat use, or population structure. The lack of basic ecological data has led to a ‘Data Deficient’ designation, a category of conservation concern that is often overlooked for management actions. This work provides updated data and practical management suggestions for similarly Data Deficient species. Comprehensive (i.e. beyond known collection sites) crayfish surveys paired with habitat assessments across north‐east Texas were conducted. Among 74 survey sites in 10 counties within and adjacent to the known range for F. maletae, eight total crayfish species were encountered within 35 of these sites (47.3% of the total). Thirteen F. maletae individuals were collected across seven sites (9.5%). Notably, two individuals were found where the species had not been previously observed. Stepwise multiple logistic regression indicated that conductivity and availability of exposed root masses were positively related to F. maletae presence, although neither factor was statistically significant on its own. Neither nonmetric multidimensional scaling nor canonical correspondence analysis identified patterns between F. maletae presence and the presence of other crayfish species. Overall, F. maletae is geographically rare and occurs in exceptionally low abundance, challenging the ability to understand drivers of its distribution. However, given the depth of this survey, we can confidently say that F. maletae is no longer Data Deficient; rather, there is compelling evidence that it has a limited range and small population size. The Data Deficient versus rarity debate has wide‐reaching impacts on the conservation of aquatic taxa; species that are Data Deficient require heightened research focus in general, whereas rare organisms require targeted management to protect specific habitats. Furthermore, we suggest that future management efforts should focus on maintaining current populations through active monitoring to inform the potential habitat suitability of new areas for protection.

show abstract

“…In Appalachia, aquatic biodiversity losses are widespread in waters influenced by coal mines (Giam et al, 2018; Merovich et al, 2021). Taxonomic groups documented as responding negatively to coal‐mining influence include macroinvertebrates (Pond et al, 2008, 2014; Timpano, Schoenholtz, et al, 2018), fish (Hitt & Chambers, 2014; Hitt et al, 2016), crayfish (Loughman et al, 2017), salamanders (Muncy et al, 2014; Wood & Williams, 2013), mussels (Rogers et al, 2018), and microbiota (Vander Vorste et al, 2019). Although SC (as a proxy for elevated major ion concentrations) is often measured and attributed as a primary cause, possible contributions of trace elements to observed effects are rarely considered.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trace Elements and Consequent Ecological Risks in Mining‐Influenced Streams of Appalachia

Clark,

Soucek,

Schoenholtz

et al. 2023

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Appalachian coal surface mines fracture geologic materials, causing release of both major ions and trace elements to water via accelerated weathering. When elevated above natural background, trace elements in streams may produce adverse effects to biota via direct exposure from water and sediment and via dietary exposure in food sources. Other studies have found elevated water concentrations of multiple trace elements in Appalachia's mining‐influenced streams. Excepting Se, trace‐element concentrations in abiotic and biotic media of Appalachian mining‐influenced streams are less well‐known. We analyzed environmental media of headwater streams receiving alkaline waters from Appalachian coal mines for eight trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Sr, V, and Zn) and assessed potential consequent ecological risks. Streamwater, particulate media (sediment, biofilm, leaf detritus) and benthic macroinvertebrates (primary consumers, secondary consumers, crayfish) were sampled from six mining‐influenced and three reference streams during low‐flow conditions in two seasons. Dissolved Cu, Ni, and Sr were higher in mining‐influenced streams than in reference streams; whereas Ni, Sr, and Zn in fine sediments and Ni in macroinvertebrates were also elevated relative to reference‐stream levels in samples from mining‐influenced streams. Seasonal ratios of mining‐influenced stream concentrations to maximum concentrations in reference streams also demonstrated mining‐influenced increases for several elements in multiple media. In most media, concentrations of several elements including Ni were correlated positively. All water‐column dissolved concentrations were below protective levels, but fine‐sediment concentrations of Ni approached or exceeded threshold‐effect concentrations in several streams. Further study is warranted for several elements (Cd, Ni, and Zn in biofilms, and V in macroinvertebrates), which approached or exceeded previously established dietary‐risk levels.

show abstract

Evaluation of physicochemical and physical habitat associations forCambarus callainus(Big Sandy crayfish), an imperilled crayfish endemic to the Central Appalachians

Cited by 9 publications

References 26 publications

Targeted microhabitat sampling and its role in conserving endemic freshwater taxa

Targeted microhabitat sampling and its role in conserving endemic freshwater taxa

Distribution and habitat use of a rare native crayfish: Implications for conserving Data Deficient species

Trace Elements and Consequent Ecological Risks in Mining‐Influenced Streams of Appalachia

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About