Habitat characteristics of small creeks inhabiting Japanese endemic crayfishes (Cambaroides japonicus De Haan) in northern Japan

概要

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As an engineer of physical processes instead of biotic processes, Cambaroides japonicus is very important in mountain stream ecosystems. Additionally, the small stream habitats of the species continue to disappear. It is very important to determine environmental conditions in these small streams to conserve and manage C. japonicus habitats. The aims of this study were to document the environmental characteristics of small creek habitats using physical data. Principle components analysis (PCA) was used to examine patterns in the physical structure of small creeks and streams. Differences in physical variables between habitat types were examined. The second axis from the PCA, which was positively correlated with flow velocity and substrate coarseness, indicated that these habitats are characterized by erosional and depositional gradients. Stream habitats were significantly deeper and faster than habitats in small creeks. Our data also show that C. japonicus inhabits small creeks with fine substrate and without boulders.
2012-12-00