Astacopsis gouldi Clark in streams of the Gog Range, northern Tasmania: the effects of catchment disturbance

Abstract

Populations of the giant freshwater crayfish, Astrzcopsisgoufdi, were sampled in the Gog Range, northern Tasmania. Ten sites were sampled in relatively undisturbed and minimally disturbed areas, and in areas with a history of severe catchment disturbance. Larger numbers of A. gouldi were caught in two streams with undisturbed catchments than in three streams in heavily disturbed catchments. Thus, the abundance of A. gouldi in the Cog Range appears to have been adversely affecred as a result of the disturbance of the original vegetation. Although the precise mechanism of the impact cannot be determined from this study, sedimentation and the presence of culverts may be preventing rccolonisation of the disturbed streams. This study indicates the potential for catchment disturbance to affect populations of A. gouldi and highlights the need for proper management of land uses that may be detrimental to this species.