An important species in freshwater ecosystems, white-clawed crayfish are in decline across much of Europe. The opening of a second crayfish breeding center in the Apennines of central Italy will strengthen the reintroduction efforts of local rewilding teams and contribute to the wider restoration of river landscapes.
Bruno Damicis
Heading for a wilder river
Internal river restoration Central Apennines Italy’s wildlife landscape has taken another step forward with the opening of a new white-clawed crayfish farming center. The center is located on the banks of the Gizio River in Genzana Xiong Intelligent Community Located in Pettorano sul Gizio, it complements the existing center near the town of Borrello, located to the east of the wild landscape. With reintroduction and restocking efforts Rebuilding the Apennines team, this center has Free the crayfish Entering the Verde River for several years.
A third breeding center, located near the town of Monteferrant, is scheduled to open next year. In accordance with Italian law and the permits obtained by the Apennines Rewilding Team, white-clawed crayfish reintroduction efforts must be carried out in the same watershed as the individuals from which these efforts originate.
Angela Tavon
a species in decline
White-clawed crayfish are small, bronze-colored crayfish with pale cream or rose-colored undersides of their claws and are native to Italy and much of Europe. It inhabits freshwater streams, hiding under stones and rocks and in small crevices, where it searches for food. one key speciesIt is an important food source for animals such as otters, fish and birds, while it preys on smaller animals and helps maintain balance within the invertebrate community. It also feeds on decaying matter and helps keep the water clean.
Today, the white-clawed crayfish is in decline across much of its range and faces a range of threats, including poaching, disease, competition with invasive species and climate change. Streams and rivers where white-clawed crayfish are released in the central Apennines are free of invasive species, including red swamp crayfisha North American species that can act as a carrier Crayfish Plague.
Bruno Damsis/Rebuilding Europe
reintroduction process
The crayfish larvae now being reared at the new center are from majella national park. The 110 people, two-thirds of them women, were placed in large baskets placed in a canal that was part of Gizio’s ancient water mill. Some bricks were placed in the basket for the crayfish to hide. They are looked after by Julien Leboucher, Apennine Rewilding Field Officer, who checks on them every day, feeds them if necessary, and provides guidance to any visitors who may want to see them.
“It’s a very non-invasive rearing process and the baskets are the perfect place for the crayfish to live and grow,” explains Angela Tavone, Communications Manager at Rewilding Apennines. “We expect to reintroduce the first individuals from the center to the Gizio River next spring or summer, with the ultimate goal of restoring a viable population in the river.”
Bruno Damicis
community involvement
On September 21, a special event was held in Petorano sul Gizio to mark the opening of the new breeding center. The event, which focused on rivers and waters and crayfish, attracted about 40 people, mostly from the town itself and surrounding villages. In addition to presentations by the Apennine Rewilding Team, there will be stories, games, guided walks and art and music performances.
“This was a very successful and memorable event that celebrated the local nature and culture,” said Angela Tavone. “The crayfish disappeared from Gizio many years ago, so the locals have no memory of this species. We showed them a male and a female and they were curious. Everyone present was fascinated by the prospect of this new resident of the local river feel happy.”
The event gave the Apennines Rewilding team the opportunity to share information on other water-related topics, such as the benefits of removing river obstructions, the importance of addressing water pollution, and how healthy waterways can promote mental health. Later this month, the Apennine Rewilding Team will oversee Removing the weir on the Giovinco Riverfunded by open river plan.
Angela Tavon
Establish a viable population
one active feasibility study In 2020, a white-clawed crayfish reintroduction campaign was carried out on streams in the rewilding landscape of the central Apennines. This opens the door to ongoing stocking programs. financial support From the French Charitable Foundation foundation orchestraand from British companies mossy earth. Majella National Park is providing scientific and technical support.
The crayfish population released into the Verde River is in good condition, although some damage has been caused by the drying out of parts of the river this summer.
“September was a wet month and thankfully the river levels have now risen,” explains Angela Tavone. “As the effects of climate change continue, these periods of drought and flooding are likely to become more pronounced. Operating breeding centers is one way to offset this impact, as we can control when to release animals and avoid periods of drought. We release The overall goal of the stocking effort is to create healthy crayfish populations in multiple rivers that can withstand environmental stresses such as climate change and thrive independently.”
Bruno Damicis
valuable support
Our work to rebuild Europe Rebuilding the landscape Backed by a wide range of high-value partners. We would like to pay special thanks to those who provided core funding – in particular Ecological Restoration Fundthis Dutch Postcode Lottery, WWF Netherlandsand Arcadia. Their long-term support plays a vital role in enabling us to achieve and expand our rewilding impact.
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