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Full Citation: Hamr P and Sit B (2011). Long-term monitoring of crayfish populations in the Credit River at Upper Canada College Outdoor School. Freshwater Crayfish 18(1): 83-86.

Long-term monitoring of crayfish populations in the Credit River at Upper Canada College Outdoor School

Hamr P and Sit B

Abstract:
Aspects of the life history of a population Cambarus robustus were studied as a part of on-going long-term monitoring (starting September 2008) at the Upper Canada College outdoor school in the Credit River at Norval, Southern Ontario. Data on seasonal reproduction, population structure and density were obtained from regular sampling during late April/early May and September. A particular emphasis was placed on tracking the spring proportions of Form I and II males as well as females with and without glair glands in the population. The results are compared to previous studies of this species in Canada. Analysis of the data to date supports the findings of existing life history studies but also indicates differences in the size of maturity as well as the maximum size. These difference may be related to warmer and more predictable local climate and habitat. Long term monitoring of populations of the crayfish species found at Norval may be useful in documenting responses to climate change, water quality fluctuation as well as effects of invasive species.

Keywords: Cambarus robustus; growth; life history; long term monitoring; Ontario

Article Language: English

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