Some Like It Cold: Long-Term Assessment of a Near-Global Invader

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Invasive Species Biology
• Biogeography

Background:

• Long-term invasion trajectory studies are limited, especially for invertebrates.
• The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is a well-documented, highly successful invasive species.
• Its extensive invasion history allows for temporal analysis of distribution and bioclimatic shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the global bioclimatic tendencies of Procambarus clarkii over more than a century.
• To understand the temporal and spatial dynamics of this species' invasion.
• To identify climatic trends influencing its spread and potential future range.

Main Methods:

• Utilized historical records spanning from 1854 to 2023.
• Employed linear models with generalized least squares estimation for temporal comparisons.
• Applied two-sample t-tests to assess bioclimatic variable changes.

Main Results:

• Observed decreasing trends in temperature and precipitation variables associated with the species' presence.
• Noted increases in elevation and aridity in areas colonized by Procambarus clarkii.
• Identified shifts in bioclimatic preferences, including extremes, over the study period.

Conclusions:

• Procambarus clarkii is adapting to new climatic conditions, including colder and less humid environments.
• The species' expansion poses a threat to range-restricted species in climatic refuges.
• Findings inform proactive management, monitoring, and early detection strategies for invasive species control.