AUTHORS: Dusty Swedberg, Prairie Research Institute - Illinois Natural History Survey; Archis Grubh, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Christopher Taylor, Prairie Research Institute - Illinois Natural History Survey
ABSTRACT: Crayfishes are a diverse and ecologically important component in Texas's aquatic ecosystems. Timely information on distribution, abundance, habitat needs, and threats is needed to effectively manage this resource. Texas currently has ten crayfish species of greatest conservation need, five of which were the focus of our sampling: Procambarus brazoriensis, Procambarus nigrocinctus, Procambarus nechesae, Procambarus nueces, and Procambarus texanus. From 2022 to 2024, we sampled almost 100 sites targeting these species and have been able to collect each of the five species. Our collections and the associated habitat data have documented possible range reduction in Procambarus nueces and Procambarus texanus. While also documenting Procambarus nigrocinctus and Procambarus nechesae might be more common than initially perceived. Procambarus brazoriensis is documented as a highly seasonal crayfish with collections that only occur in early spring. With our collection data, we are able to draw conclusions on range and habitat data to better estimate the conservation status for these five crayfishes and other sympatric species that were collected through our efforts.
