Distribution, habitat and conservation status of Engaeus granulatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) and related species of freshwater burrowing crayfish in central northern Tasmania

The distribution and habitat of Engaeus granulatus are reviewed. The species is restricted to a relatively small area in central northern Lutruwita/Tasmania between Devonport in the west, Asbestos Range in the east and Sheffield to the south. The habitat of E. granulatus includes swamps, floodplains of small creeks, poorly-drained areas in paddocks and roadside/railway ditches. The range of E. granulatus overlaps to varying degrees with E. mairener, E. nulloporius, E. fossor, E. cisternarius, E. cunicularius and E. excavator. It is not possible to identify the species by reference to characteristics of the burrow or habitat (although it can be a useful guide). Burrow excavation remains the only means of identifying the occupant pending development of non-invasive means, such as eDNA. With the recent description of E. excavator from within the core range of E. granulatus, and the overlap with five other species, the conservation status of E. granulatus is probably even more tenuous than previously thought: while its extent of occurrence remains similar, its area of occupancy within this extent may be significantly less than previously suggested.

Key Words: burrowing crayfish, Engaeus, Tasmania, Australia, conservation status.