The Threat of Invasive Crayfish on Crayfish of Greatest Conservation Need in IL

Illinois has seven crayfish species on the IL Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list, four of which are considered state-threatened or endangered. Currently, invasive crayfish species do not occur in the aquatic systems that support these SGCN species. Since 1995, invasive species ranges have been broadening in Illinois and spreading south toward these unique systems while displacing native species. Dusty Swedberg from the Illinois Natural History Survey discusses the habitat associations of these SGCN species and uses data collected in Illinois to show the adverse effects that introduced crayfish species can have on native crayfish—discussing a link to why invasive species are one of the most significant threats to SGCN crayfish species in Illinois.

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