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last mo.

Italy’s Native Freshwater Crab Rediscovered in Lake Garda

WWF says evidence of juveniles and adults suggests local reproduction and has prompted expanded monitoring to test whether the species signals improving water quality or preys on invasive zebra mussels.

Mitten im Gardasee machen Taucher eine Entdeckung, mit der kaum jemand gerechnet hat.
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Overview

  • WWF divers working on the Veronese shore near Brenzone discovered Potamon fluviatile and recorded multiple individuals between July 9 and July 11, according to reports from three outlets.
  • Film, photos and repeated sightings show both juvenile and adult crabs, which WWF says indicates the animals are reproducing locally.
  • The crab is Italy’s only native freshwater crab and had been scarcely seen at Lake Garda since the 1990s due to habitat loss and ecosystem stress.
  • Early observations suggest the crab may eat invasive zebra mussels, a hypothesis that WWF and researchers plan to test through targeted dives and underwater cameras.
  • WWF is asking visitors not to disturb the animals but to document sightings, and scientists will use the new monitoring to assess population size, health and potential effects on lake ecology.