Abstract
Crayfish account for over half of the macroinvertebrate biomass in many ecosystems and serve as crucial bioindicators because of their behavioral and physiological adaptability to environmental changes. Despite being home to approximately 52 native crayfish species, Texas currently lacks protective regulations. This gap is primarily because of insufficient information regarding their distribution and occurrences within the state, including their statuses as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). This study focuses on compiling and comparing crayfish museum records with current iNaturalist field survey data across Texas to address these knowledge gaps and recommend updates to SGCN statuses. Five species not currently protected exhibited significant range contraction by over half of their historic range, recommending their addition to SGCN. Further sampling in historic regions and beyond is recommended for all species for a better understanding of their range in Texas.
Date of publication
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/5073
Committee members
Dr. Joshua Banta, Dr. Lance Williams, Dr. Matthew Greenwold, Dr. Ryan Shartau, Dr. Archis Grubh
Degree
Masters in Biology
Recommended Citation
Alvarez, Adrian, "AGGREGATION AND COLLATION OF TEXAS CRAYFISH MUSEUM SPECIMENS TO DETERMINE THEIR CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUSES" (2026). Biology Theses. Paper 98.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/5073