Mechanism of alien crayfish invasion in the lower Danube
This website is dedicated to the
project “Mechanism of alien crayfish invasion in the lower Danube” and
its goal is to provide easy access to information about the objectives
and results obtained during its implementation. Another priority is
promoting the
team members’ scientific profiles and increasing their visibility,
both nationally and internationally, as well as the consolidation of
the team (University Koblenz-Landau, Germany; Romanian
scientists from the diaspora that will be able to professionally
reinstate themselves in Romania) towards becoming more competitive in
accessing international research grants.
Nowadays, the native crayfish species in Europe
face major threats because of the introduction of north-American
crayfish species in the last two centuries. The most successful
invasive crayfish species, the spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes
limosus) reached the lower Danube (Romanian territory) in
2008, and is advancing further downstream towards the Danube Delta.
Preliminary results suggest a serious decline in the
abundance of indigenous narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus
leptodactylus) in the invaded areas. Therefore, the active
invasion front along the Romanian Danube offers a unique opportunity
for scientists to elucidate the drivers behind the invasion success
and the potential impact on local ecosystems. This project aims to
reveal the reproduction strategies and habitat selection of invasive
and indigenous crayfish species, and assess the occurrence of the
crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) by applying various
modern techniques (real-time PCR, sequence analysis, stable
isotopes). Combining international scientific expertise in an
integrative approach, this project has the potential to produce
relevant results suggesting scientifically-sound strategies to
protect indigenous crayfish species and biodiversity.
Technical data related to the project
Host Institution:
West University of Timisoara Project leader:
Dr. Lucian Pārvulescu Competition: PN II
HUMAN RESOURCES “Young Teams of Researchers” Funding agency:
CNCS - UEFISCDI Project ID:
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0785 Duration: 24
months (2015-2017) Budget: 549,162.00
lei (124,809.55 €)
