DISTRIBUTION OF CRAYFISH IN SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

Abstract

Mapping of crayfish populations in the province of Salzburg was carried out in the years 2002 and 2003. Five crayfish species were found, two of them native: Astacus astacus and Austropotamobius torrentium, and three foreign: Astacus leptodactylus, Pacifastacus leniusculus and Orconectes limosus. In former times the first two species were widely distributed especially in the northern part of the province. Today Astacus astacus is only found in (artificial) ponds and in one lake and its outlet. Austropotamobius torrentium is found in several small rivers, especially in the pre-alpine region. Astacus leptodactylus is found in three lakes connected to each other. Pacifastacus leniusculus is the most common crayfish species and widely distributed in rivers, ponds and lakes. Orconectes limosus is found in two lakes.

Keywords

• Salzburg
• Austria
• crayfish
• mapping
• biogeography