Integrating research into freshwater biodiversity and the role of keystone species, this fascinating book presents freshwater crayfish as representatives of human-exacerbated threats to biodiversity and conservation. It uses examples from these and other large decapod invertebrates to explore how communities function and are controlled, alongside the implications of human demands and conflicts over limited resources, notably the severe impacts on biodiversity. The discussion is structured around three key topics – the present situation of crayfish in world freshwater ecosystems, the applications of science to conservation management and knowledge transfer for successful crayfish management. It outlines the historic exploitation of crayfish, addressing the problems caused by invasive alien forms and explaining the importance of correct identification when dealing with conservation issues. Offering a global perspective on freshwater systems, the book ultimately highlights how the conservation of such large and long-lived species will help protect ecosystem quality in the future.

Invasive species have come to dominate 3% of the Earth’s ice-free surface, constituting one of the most serious ecological and economic threats of the new millennium, and freshwater systems are particularly vulnerable. This book examines the identity, distribution, and impact of freshwater non-indigenous species and the dynamics of their invasion. It focuses on old and new invaders and provides a starting point for further research.

From the third international workshop on the subject (U. of Florence, 1997), come 18 papers reviewing the issue of alien crayfish decimating the relatively few native species in European freshwater environments. In a historical and taxonomic context, the initial paper explains why such homogenizatio

Fishermen, marine aquarists, biologists studying seashore and coastal waters, and those involved in trading shellfish and even restaurateurs are aware of the great diversity of crustaceans inhabiting the seas around the British Isles, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Crayfishes, Lobsters and Crabs of Europe will enable the reader to identify 42 crustacean species of commercial importance found in these regions during coastal explorations, fishing trips, displayed in public aquaria or available in restaurants, including selected freshwater crayfishes, deep-sea species and some imported species. The book also includes sections on the gross internal and external structure of these Crustacea, their life histories, classification and nomenclature. The book is of interest to students of marine biology and researchers in fisheries science.

Written by world experts in astacology, this book covers a range of aspects of the biology and ecology of freshwater crayfish. With a strong focus on wild crayfish, the book studies the taxonomy and genetics of this interesting group of animals. Under examination also are crayfish growth and reproduction, with detailed illustrations; behavior and c

For their great commercial importance as a human food delicacy, crayfish are now becoming of wider interest to molecular biologists, and also to conservationists due to the fact that in some countries many of the native crayfish species are under threat from human activity, disease, and competition from other introduced crayfish species. Helmed by

Decapods are the largest, most prominent, and, unfortunately, most threatened freshwater crustaceans. Advances in Freshwater Decapod Systematics and Biology presents a selection of papers by geographical and domain experts, in taxonomy, phylogenetics, biogeography, life history, and conservation. The major groups of freshwater decapods—crabs, crayfish, prawns, and anomurans—are all represented. This volume includes a chapter commemorating Richard Bott’s influence on freshwater crab/decapod biology; descriptions of seven new species (Atyidae, Aeglidae, Pseudothelphusidae, Potamidae, and Sesarmidae); chapters on larval-based phylogenetics and molecular clock calibration; and reviews of longevity and mortality, and of the global conservation status of freshwater decapods. This volume both reflects the current state of research and serves as a primer for future work and more integrative decapod research. Contributors include: Shane T. Ahyong, Klaus Anger, Georgina Bond-Buckup, Ludwig Buckup, Yixiong Cai, Christian Clavijo, Neil Cumberlidge, James M. Furse, Alberto S. Gonçalves, Guillermo Guerao, Alireza Keikhosravi, Sebastian Klaus, Tainã G. Loureiro, Célio Magalhães, Fernando L. Mantelatto, Jose C. E. Mendoza, , Jérôme Prieto, Silke Reuschel, Vitor Q. A. Sanches, Tobias Santl, Sandro Santos, Fabrizio Scarabino, Christoph D. Schubart, Michael Türkay, Ana Verdi, Günter Vogt, and Darren C. J. Yeo

From the third international workshop on the subject (U. of Florence, 1997), come 18 papers reviewing the issue of alien crayfish decimating the relatively few native species in European freshwater environments. In a historical and taxonomic context, the initial paper explains why such homogenizatio