Citizen science brengt de verspreiding van uitheemse, invasieve rivierkreeften in Vlaanderen in kaart

There has been a sharp increase in the number of sightings of Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus acutus. The red swamp crayfish is most commonly found in watercourses, which increases the risk of rapid spread via the hydrographic network.
A notable finding is the first sighting of Faxonius virilis in West Flanders, which underlines the importance of citizen science in detecting new species.
Faxonius limosus remains the most widespread species, typically having lower local densities, and is more frequently found in bodies of water such as ponds and pools.
Procambarus virginalis is expanding its range (from 6 to 10 populations) and is, for the time being, mainly found in urban water bodies.
Pontastacus leptodactylus and Pacifastacus leniusculus were not observed.