Abstract
Stocks of the freshwater crayfish in Ireland are thought to be some of the largest in Europe. To better protect this species, it is necessary to update data on the geographical distribution of Austropotamobius pallipes on the island. Records from surveys carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1990 to 2003 and from specific crayfish surveys (2000 to 2002) were compiled to generate a distribution map of A. pallipes in the Republic of Ireland. The map shows that A. pallipes is still widely distributed throughout the Irish midlands. Water quality data (Q values) were also analysed to establish if crayfish were, in general, found only in good water quality. Crayfish were most often encountered in unpolluted conditions but were also found in slightly polluted and moderately polluted water. Some populations were even found at sites with very low water quality. The percentage occurrence of crayfish sites (17.6) is broadly similar to that recorded in a survey carried out between 1976 and 1985. An abundant stock of A. pallipes in Ireland would act as a safeguard for this endangered European species.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
