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Modelling the risk of invasion by the red-swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): incorporating local variables to better inform management decisions

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Abstract

The correct modelling of the potential distribution of an invasive species is crucial to define effective management and monitoring strategies. Here we compared the results of models built at different spatial scales to identify the areas at risk of invasion by the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the northwest of Portugal. Firstly, we surveyed crayfish at 97 locations. Secondly, we used presence–absence data and local variables to model its current distribution (local variables model) and identified slope and river width as the best explanatory factors. Thirdly, we integrated these two local variables into a former model built for the Iberian Peninsula (regional model) increasing considerably its predictive power. Finally, we compared both models focusing on the area predicted to be invaded. The local model showed a considerably narrower extent of suitable areas for crayfish in the study area than the regional model. These results show that the refinement of regional scale predictions through the incorporation of species-environment relationships at local scales may be important for supporting management decisions. By not integrating the effects of local variability, regional bioclimatic models may overlook the potential distribution of this invader at manageable extents. Results further suggest that a wide range of native ecosystems of conservation value are probably unsuitable for this invasive species.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financed by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Portugal) through project DILEMA—Alien species and conservation dilemmas: the effects of native competitors and alien prey species on the spread of American mink in Portugal (PTDC/BIA-BECD/102433/2008). The authors would like to thank the staff at “Paisagem Protegida da Lagoa de Bertiandos e S. Pedro d’Arcos” for logistic support and everyone involved in the fieldwork. The authors would also like to thank G.F. Ficetola and an anonymous reviewer for their overall contribution and consequent improvement of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal

    Francisco D. Moreira, Fernando Ascensão, César Capinha & Diana Rodrigues

  2. Centro de Estudos Florestais, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal

    Pedro Segurado

  3. Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal

    Margarida Santos-Reis & Rui Rebelo

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  1. Francisco D. Moreira
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  2. Fernando Ascensão
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  4. Diana Rodrigues
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  5. Pedro Segurado
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  6. Margarida Santos-Reis
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  7. Rui Rebelo
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Correspondence to Francisco D. Moreira.

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Moreira, F.D., Ascensão, F., Capinha, C. et al. Modelling the risk of invasion by the red-swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): incorporating local variables to better inform management decisions. Biol Invasions 17, 273–285 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-014-0725-y

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