The Distribution of Astacidae (Decapoda) Fauna in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia

Abstract

Extensive regulatory monitoring programs have been conducted in Europe aiming at the protection and risk assessment of crayfish. In this sense, the paper presents data on the distribution of crayfish in Kosovo and Metohija. We analyzed data from the period between 1992-2012. Two of the four species reported for the Republic of Serbia were found in Kosovo and Metohija: Austropotamobius astacus and Astacus torrentium. A total of 33 sites were investigated that have swept all three sea watersheds: the Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea. The species A. astacus prefers lowland water. The species A. torrentium inhabits mountainous ecosystems with water of oligo- to beta- mezosaprobic level of water quality. The site altitude of distribution of the A. torrentium species was at over 700m. Lowland parts of the investigated rivers were populated with individuals of A.astacus.