AUTHORS: Montana Fonner, West Liberty University; Zachary Loughman, West Liberty University
ABSTRACT: Cambarus veteranus (Guyandotte River Crayfish) has been in severe population decline since their description in 1914 by Faxon. In 2016 the species was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act due to a widespread range reduction. The major contributing factor to this decline is siltation caused by both historic and current logging and mining operations. C. veteranus occupies the interstitial spaces between slab boulders and the benthos. Siltation fills the interstitial space both, smothering live crayfish and reducing habitat availability by cementing slab boulders into the stream bed. C. veteranus is endemic to the Upper Guyandotte River Basin. Historically C. veteranus was found in 8 tributaries of the mainstem of the Upper Guyandotte River. Today C. veteranus is only found in one historic tributary, Pinnacle Creek. More recently, another stream, Clear Fork/Laurel Fork, was found to harbor populations of C. veteranus. Despite the conservation standing of C. veteranus a comprehensive habitat study on the mainstem of the Upper Guyandotte River has not been conducted. This study aims to investigate the mainstem of the Upper Guyandotte River and Lower Pinnacle Creek to determine habitat quality. We recorded observations of anthropogenic degradation, such as siltation, bank instability, and pollution. Data collected will be used towards mitigation efforts in restoring habitat suitability within the study area for C. veteranus. In addition, habitat data collected along the mainstem was integrated in crayfish collection surveys, at possibly overlooked locales, which were determined to have potentially suitable habitats for C. veteranus.
