Abstract
Biological invasions by nonindigenous species can have negative effects on economies and ecosystems. To limit this impact, current research on biological invasions uses functional traits to facilitate a mechanistic understanding of theoretical and applied questions. Here we aimed to assess the role of functional traits in the progression of crayfish species through different stages of invasion and determine the traits associated with invasive success. A dataset of thirteen functional traits of 15 species currently occurring or available for sale in the Netherlands was evaluated. Six of these crayfish appeared invasive. Important traits distinguishing successful from unsuccessful invaders were a temperate climate in the native range, a medium to high egg count and producing more than one egg clutch per year. The most successful invaders had different functional trait combinations: Procambarus clarkii has a higher reproductive output, can migrate over longer distances and possesses a higher aggression level; Faxonius limosus is adapted to a colder climate, can reproduce parthenogetically and has broader environmental tolerances. Using a suit of functional traits to analyse invasive potential can help risk management and prevention. For example, based on our data Procambarus virginalis is predicted to become the next successful invasive crayfish in the Netherlands.
Highlights
Biological invasions by nonindigenous species can have negative effects on economies and ecosystems
This paper aims to address the role that functional traits play in the transition of nonindigenous crayfish through the stages of establishment and spread to become fully invasive, and to determine which traits are associated with invasive success
Several nonindigenous crayfish species were first observed in the Netherlands multiple decades ago, such as Faxonius limosus, Astacus leptodactylus, and P. clarkii (1968, 1978, and 1985, respectively) (Fig. 1)
Summary
Biological invasions by nonindigenous species can have negative effects on economies and ecosystems. Nonindigenous species that established new populations outside their native range have been widely recognized to have potential negative impacts on local ecosystems and are generally regarded as one of the largest threats to biodiversity besides habitat destruction[2,3]. Their impacts include competition, grazing, predation and introduction and spread of diseases[4,5]. Associated traits Size of native range Preference or tolerance of lentic habitats Able to reproduce at warm-water aquarium conditions Absence of specialized germination or hatching requirements Bright body coloration Small body size (when not brightly colored) Wide environmental and climatic tolerances Generalist diet Single parent reproduction High reproductive potential Short generation time High growth rate Good dispersal Ability to escape or survive natural enemies Long lived (resist mortality) Large size High competitive ability
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