Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Southern White River Crayfish (Procambarus zonangulus) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Ecological Risk Screening Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Procambarus zonangulus, Southern White River Crayfish, is a species of crayfish that is native to the Gulf Coast region of the United States. P. zonangulus has been reported as introduced beyond its native range in eastern Maryland, northeast West Virginia, Mississippi, and coastal Alabama. Outside of the United States, it has been reported as introduced to the Nile River in Egypt, but it may no longer be extant there. P. zonangulus is commonly used in aquaculture and has been documented as a carrier of crayfish plague and white spot syndrome virus. P. zonangulus is used in trade, primarily as a commercial food source. Possession or trade of this species is regulated in several U.S. States. The History of Invasiveness for P. zonangulus is classified as Data Deficient due to the lack of information regarding impacts from introductions. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. Areas of high match were found both in its native range of the western Gulf Coast, and outside its native range throughout most of the eastern, southeastern, and southern portions of the contiguous United States. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to the lack of information regarding impacts of introduction. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for P. zonangulus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.