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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Assessing Intertidal Populations of the Invasive European Green Crab
Published on: September 16, 2020
First database of invasive crayfish in north-western Italian lakes
Lyudmila Kamburska1,2, Silvia Zaupa3, Marco Orlandi4
1National Research Council (CNR) - Water Research Institute (IRSA), Verbania, Italy National Research Council (CNR) - Water Research Institute (IRSA) Verbania Italy.
Biodiversity Data Journal
|July 6, 2026
Summary
This study provides 367 georeferenced records of invasive crayfish in 17 Italian lakes, supporting biodiversity data sharing and freshwater invasion management. The data are accessible via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Area of Science:
- Freshwater ecology
- Invasive species biology
- Biodiversity informatics
Background:
- Presents 367 georeferenced occurrence records of invasive crayfish from 17 lakes in north-western Italy (2017-2025).
- Data covers submontane lakes in Piedmont and Lombardy, varying in origin and typology.
- Includes lakes part of Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER Italy) and Natura 2000 network.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and share georeferenced data on invasive crayfish occurrence.
- To support global efforts in mobilizing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) biodiversity data.
- To facilitate regional-scale monitoring and management of invasive freshwater species.
Main Methods:
- Data collection through sampling in 17 Italian lakes.
- Data formatted into four Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) datasets.
- Data published openly via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Main Results:
- Newly georeferenced records for three invasive crayfish species: *Faxonius limosus*, *Pacifastacus leniusculus*, and *Procambarus clarkii*.
- Data reveals spatial distribution and relative abundance of these invasive species.
- Published data supports ecological research and regional monitoring of freshwater invasions.
Conclusions:
- The publicly available dataset enhances understanding of invasive crayfish distribution in Italy.
- Facilitates informed management strategies for freshwater ecosystems.
- Promotes data sharing and collaboration in biodiversity research.
