Presencia y dispersión del cangrejo rojo americano (<em>Procambarus clarkii<em> Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) en el departamento del Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Abstract

Years ago, exotic species were imported freely and without any previous studies as to their adaptation or behavior by government agencies. This is the case of the American Red Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) that was introduced to Valle del Cauca in 1985 as an experimental species. Here we present a preliminary evaluation of the dispersion of this species in Valle del Cauca, to determine which sorts of ecosystems it has colonized as a result of this introduction. The advance of this species through Colombian aquatic systems is worrisome because of its accelerated speed. At this time there is no evidence of direct impacts on native species or communities. However, the tunnels constructed by the red crayfish can cause damage to the flood protection dikes that have been constructed on the banks of the Cauca River.

Keywords

• Especies introducidas
• Especies exóticas
• Crustáceos decápodos
• Humedales
• Cuenca del río Magdalena