Opportunistic Crayfish Eradication Benefits Local Sonora Mud Turtle Population

During a population biology research project, biologists observed negative impacts of crayfish on the native Sonora mud turtle population at Cottonwood Creek, including signs of predation on hatchlings. To conserve the native aquatic amphibians and reptiles, the team conducted eradication efforts through capturing crayfish by hand using dip nets. These removal efforts were opportunistic, so the exact number of crayfish removed was not recorded. The characteristics of the study site made it easy to remove the crayfish from small pools isolated during drier times of the year. Following eradication, researchers quickly noticed an increase in hatchling recaptures, indicating improved mud turtle survivorship.