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Sirvi Autor "Ghia, Daniela" järgi

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  • Pisipilt
    Kirje
    Assessing behavioural traits and ecological impacts of invasive crayfish species in freshwater ecosystem
    (Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Ghia, Daniela; Sacchi, Roberto (advisor); Ercoli, Fabio (advisor); Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia; Maguire, Ivana (opponent); Kozák, Pavel (opponent)
    ABSTRACT. Biological invasions occur when species spread to new areas, causing ecological, economic, and social problems. Invasive species can be found in various ecosystems, but freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable due to human activities and environmental changes. It has been forecasted that the invasion of alien species will increase by up to 36% by 2050, particularly in Europe. Among these invaders, crayfish are expected to see significant increases globally, representing major threats. These large freshwater invertebrates have attracted the attention of freshwater biologists and ecologists because of their ability to travel long distances, high reproductive rates, and adaptability. To better manage invasive species and conserve native ones, it's crucial to understand their behaviour and impacts on ecosystems. This research study has focused on understanding the behaviour of invasive crayfish and their impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Results highlighted the high adaptability of signal crayfish, which can vary their diet by season and age and, when coexist with native crayfish, they adjust their feeding habits, likely to reduce competition. The study also revealed that signal crayfish individuals coexisting with native crayfish at the invasion front are stronger than those living alone, suggesting a more successful invasion. It has also been found that invasive crayfish have a remarkable ability to disperse over land during droughts, showing their resilience and potential to spread. Additionally, experiments on their reproductive behaviour and the effects of removing female reproductive parts showed that this method could effectively reduce their reproductive capacity. These findings show the importance of considering behavioural traits in managing invasive species. Implementing control programs for invasive crayfish is crucial to preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems worldwide.
  • Pisipilt
    Kirje
    Diet and trophic niche of the invasive signal crayfish in the first invaded Italian stream ecosystem
    (Nature, 2021) Ercoli, Fabio; Ghia, Daniela; Gruppuso, Laura; Fea, Gianluca; Bo, Tiziano; Ruokonen, Timo J.
    The occurrence of the signal crayfsh Pacifastacus leniusculus in the Valla Stream was the frst established population of this invasive species recorded in an Italian stream ecosystem. We evaluated the seasonality of diet and trophic niche of invasive signal crayfsh in order to estimate the ecological role and efects on native communities of the stream ecosystem. We studied the diferences in food source use between sexes, life stages and seasons using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses. To supplement stable isotope analyses, we evaluated food source usage using traditional stomach content analysis. We tested the hypothesis that juveniles have a diferent diet, showing diferent trophic niches, compared to adults. Results indicated that signal crayfsh adult and juvenile diets mainly rely on macroinvertebrates and periphyton in summer, shifting to mostly periphyton in autumn. Although the two age classes occupied an equivalent trophic niche, juveniles showed slightly diferent carbon isotope values, suggesting a somewhat ontogenetic shift consistent among seasons. No signifcant diferences were found in adult and juvenile diets between summer and autumn seasons. Our fndings suggest that signal crayfsh juveniles and adults exhibited seasonal feeding habits, probably due to ecological behaviour rather than food resource availability, and that both are likely to impose similar efects on macroinvertebrate communities in this and similar stream ecosystems