title: Ecological Assessment of Two Species of Potamonautid Freshwater Crabs from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, with Implications for Their Conservation.
abstract: The spatial ecology of freshwater crabs and their conservation status is largely understudied in Africa. An ecological assessment was conducted at 104 localities in 51 rivers and/or streams in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe whereby the distribution and abundances of freshwater crab species were mapped and the possible drivers of the observed trends in population structure explored. In addition, information on crab utilisation as a food resource by local communities was assessed via face to face interviews across the region. Finally, the conservation status of each species was assessed using the IUCN Red List criteria. Only two crab species Potamonautes mutareensis and Potamonautes unispinus were recorded within the region of study. Potamonautes mutareensis was largely restricted to less impacted environments in the high mountainous river system, whereas P. unispinus was found in low laying areas. In stretches of river where both species were found to co-occur, the species were never sampled from the same site, with P. mutareensis occurring in shallower, faster flowing environments and P. unispinus in deeper, slow flowing sites. Interview results revealed that the local communities, particularly in the southern part of the Eastern Highlands around the Chipinge area, had a considerable level of utilisation (55% of households) on the harvesting of crabs for household consumption during the non-agricultural season (May to September). Results from the IUCN Red List assessment indicate that both species should be considered as "Least Concern". Threats to freshwater crabs in the Eastern Highlands, however, include widespread anthropogenic impacts such as habitat destruction associated with gold and diamond mining, inorganic and organic pollution and possibly exploitation for human consumption. The current study provides important information and insight towards the possible development of a freshwater crab conservation action plan within the region.
authors.affiliation: Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
authors.forename: Tatenda
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dalu
authors.affiliation: Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
authors.forename: Mwazvita T B
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sachikonye
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland.
authors.forename: Mhairi E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dube
authors.affiliation: Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Froneman
authors.affiliation: Chimanimani National Park, Chimanimani, Manicaland, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Kwanele I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Manungo
authors.affiliation: Nyanga National Park, Nyanga, Manicaland, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Onias
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bepe
authors.affiliation: South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ryan J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wasserman
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D003386:Brachyura / Q000502:physiology*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D005618:Fresh Water; D006801:Humans; D011157:Population Dynamics; D017747:Seafood / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015030:Zimbabwe