Possible Extirpation of Cambarus veteranus (Big Sandy Crayfish) from West Virginia

Historical collections and records show that Cambarus veteranus (Big Sandy Crayfish) occurred in 3 West Virginia counties (Logan, Mercer, and Wyoming). The last statewide survey (1988-1989) found C. veteranus only in the Bluestone and Guyandotte river drainages in West Virginia. Competitors for C. veteranus niche space include C. sciotensis (Teays River Crayfish) and other cambarids. Using natural history and previous distributional information, a directed survey was conducted searching 15 probable locations, all at elevations greater than 457 m on the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau province of WV. These locations included moderately wide streams (>10 m) with permanent pools and having gravel or sand bottoms with large, flat, overlying rocks. Methods included one-hour timed searches using dip net or hand collection of the 15 sampling areas including historical record sites. At each site, water quality data were recorded, and a rapid bioassessment protocol (RBP) score was produced using several physical characteristics. Sampling for this project occurred between June and December 2001. This field survey failed to produce any individuals of C. veteranus. Possible reasons for this included poor water quality, as indicated by low RBP scores, or inadequate sampling. Large-river surveys in West Virginia may produce C. veteranus. Some of the sampled sites may meet criteria for future re-introduction efforts.