Status Update for Six Rare Crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Western North Carolina

Abstract

Abstract From 2009–2012 detailed distribution data, information to update conservation status, and additional life history and habitat observations were obtained for six rare crayfishes in Western North Carolina. The Hiwassee Headwaters Crayfish, Cambarus (Puncticambarus) parrishi, continues to occupy a very limited range in Clay County, with most known occurrences from the Tusquitee Creek system. The Chauga Crayfish, C. (P.) chaugaensis, appears to be abundant throughout much of its range in the upper Savannah River Drainage, in Transylvania, Jackson, and Macon counties. The French Broad River Crayfish, C. (P.) reburrus, has declined in Madison and Buncombe counties, while populations in Transylvania County appear to have remained relatively stable. The Broad River Stream Crayfish, C. (Cambarus) lenati continues to occur primarily in the upper First Broad River drainage where it is common in some streams in Rutherford County. The Broad River Spiny Crayfish, C. (P.) spicatus is rare but continues to exist in two isolated populations: upper First Broad and North Pacolet river drainages. The Little Tennessee River Crayfish, C. (P.) georgiae continues to occupy Jackson and Macon counties where it is most abundant in the upper Little Tennessee River Drainage. No range expansions were observed for any of these crayfish species.