Impacts, control and perception of introduced Crayfish in Thailand

AbstractTo gain more scientific understanding concerning Crayfish in tropical climate since its first introduction in 1987, this research focused on perceptions of nonnative species trading and invasive species as it relates to management. Pet-store owners and farmers were interviewed. There are two Crayfish species in Thailand—Procambarus clarkii and Cherax quadricarinatus and the Crayfish trade is expanding due to high demand. The results demonstrated that respondents had a basic knowledge of Crayfish biology, primarily related to farming production. However, most respondents lacked understanding of the negative impact and invasiveness of Crayfish and, therefore, the potential risk of invasion. Respondents suggested: 1) controlling invasive species by the government using stringent law enforcement and prohibition of the release of nonnative species into the wild and harsher legal penalties for those who do not comply with the law; and, 2) an educational campaign, especially on the negative impacts of Cr...