Movement patterns of invasive red swamp crayfish vary with sex and environmental factors

Scientific Reports
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Abstract

Invasive species disproportionately invade freshwater ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. Defining when, where, and why aquatic invasive species move can help inform management strategies, yet the movement ecology of some of the most pervasive invasive species remains unknown. Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii; RSC) are the most widespread invasive crayfish and negatively affect ecosystems worldwide. We employed high-dimensional acoustic telemetry to investigate the movement patterns of 24 individual RSC across three months in an invaded water body. We assessed the effects of various extrinsic factors, such as time of day, temperature, precipitation, and proximity to the water’s edge, along with intrinsic factors, such as sex, reproductive form, and size, at different scales, including movement steps, range distribution, and behavioral states. We found that movement patterns across all scales were overwhelmingly driven by sex and reproductive form. Furthermore, RSC showed increased overall activity at night and near the water’s edge. By establishing baseline movement patterns and identifying key contributing factors, these findings provide a foundation for the development of adaptive management strategies for controlling invasive RSC populations.

Suggested Citation

Raboin, M.J., Roth, B.M., Sullivan, A., Allert, A.L., Stoeckel, J.A., Nathan, L.R., Quebedeaux, K.B., Sholtis, M.D., Smerud, J.R., Erickson, R.A., Cupp, A.R., 2025, Movement patterns of invasive red swamp crayfish vary with sex and environmental factors: Scientific Reports, v. 15, 14312, 12 p., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96379-8.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Movement patterns of invasive red swamp crayfish vary with sex and environmental factors
Series title Scientific Reports
DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-96379-8
Volume 15
Publication Date April 24, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Springer Nature
Contributing office(s) Western Fisheries Research Center
Description 14312, 12 p.
Country United States
State Michigan
City Novi
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