Vol. 76 (2) 2024

ARTICLES

Assessment of Freshwater Crayfish (Malacostraca: Astacidae) in Protected Aquatic Basins in Bulgaria

Kristiyan Vladov

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Regional Natural History Museum – Plovdiv, 34 Hristo G. Danov Street, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria; E-mail: vladovkristiyan@gmail.com

https://doi.org/10.71424/azb76.2.002757

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Abstract
This study explores the distribution and status of the stone crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium and the noble crayfish Astacus astacus within Natura 2000 protected areas in Bulgaria. Totally, 121 live crayfish were caught, with A. torrentium mainly found at altitudes between 410 and 1317 m a.s.l., particularly between 300 and 900 m. The highest population density of stone crayfish was observed in Ograzhden – Maleshevo, Osogovska Planina and Belasitsa Mountains. Astacus astacus was detected in the Rabrovo Protected Area only.

Key words
Distribution, Austropotamobius torrentium, Astacus astacus

How to Cite
Vladov K. 2024. Assessment of Freshwater Crayfish (Malacostraca: Astacidae) in Protected Aquatic Basins in Bulgaria. Acta zoologica bulgarica 76 (2) 253-262.

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