Abstract: With 16 species belonging to 14 genera, branchiopod diversity in Austria is very high which is mainly due to the biogeographical situation of the country: the floodplains of the Morava river, as well as the Neusiedler See â Seewinkel region show a strong Pannonian influence. Species with holarctic and European distribution also occur in Austria, as well as a few Mediterranean species. With the exception of Lynceus brachyurus (Laevicaudata), all species documented in Austria have been found within the last ten years, some of them for the first time in decades. Thus, almost one quarter of the 68 European large branchiopod species and two thirds of the 22 European genera presently known occur on less than 1% of the European land mass.
Zusammenfassung: Mit 16 Arten in 14 Gattungen weist Ãsterreich eine beträchtliche Artenvielfalt an GroÃ-Branchiopoden auf. Verantwortlich dafür ist überwiegend die biogeografische Situation des Landes: Im Bereich der March und der Region Neusiedler See â Seewinkel dominieren pannonische Einflüsse, gleichzeitig treten Arten mit holarktischer und gesamteuropäischer Verbreitung im Gebiet auf, vereinzelt auch Arten mediterraner Herkunft. Mit Ausnahme einer Art (Lynceus brachyurus, Laevicaudata) wurden alle jemals in Ãsterreich dokumentierten Arten innerhalb der letzten zehn Jahre wieder nachgewiesen; einige davon hatten seit Jahrzehnten als verschollen gegolten. Damit sind fast ein Viertel der 68 europäischen GroÃ-Branchiopoden-Arten und zwei Drittel der 22 europäischen Gattungen auf weniger als einem Prozent der europäischen Landfläche vertreten.
Abstract: This multi-authored volume is written by crayfish specialists working in Austria. Nearly A4 in size, the book is most handsomely produced. It is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs and drawings, and there are numerous more technical black and white line drawings. Intended to raise public awareness of problems posed by introduced crayfish (originating from North America), the book attempts to inform members of the public, including owners of fisheries and aquarium hobbyists, about the general biology of seven species of crayfish that ocur in Austria. Four natives (Astacus astacus, A. leptodactylus, Austropotamobius torrentium, A. pallipes) and there are aliens (Procambarus clarkii, Orconectes limosus, Pacifastacus leniusculus), the last one in particular being responsible for the translocation and transmission of the dreaded crayfish plague fungus Aphanomyces astaci, although the other two aliens can do likewise. The large, aggressive and strikingly marked (red and blue) red swamp crayfish P. clarkii, which is sold to aquarists as the "red lobster", is potentially destructive to river banks and, no doubt, could cause havoc if it entered and spread through the Danube; so could P. leniusculus. A key for identifying these seven species is provided and beautifully illustrated with colour plates depicting the whole animal, the carapace, and large claws (chelipeds), important features for specific recognition. Armed with these pictures, most people should have little difficulty in identifying the common crayfish found throughout most of western Europe (including the UK).
A major part of the book (pages 29 to 130) contains a series of short chapters dealing with the distribution and ecology of crayfish in various parts of Austria. Most of the remaining chapters provide information on the general biology, systematics and evolution of crayfish, with some outstanding coloured illustrations of general morphology and anatomy. Topics such as hatchery, cultivation of crayfish, the plague fungus and symbiotic annelids are included, and there is a well-illustrated chapter on the cultural history of crayfish down the centuries. Nearly all chapters have brief summaries in English, although these merely outline the scope of the following texts, which are all written in German.
If this book had been written in the English language I have no doubt that it would appeal to all freshwater biologists, be popular amongst anglers and those who keep aquaria as a hobby, and also would make a splendid coffee-table book for interested naturalists to put alongside similar volumes on the biology of mammals, birds, dragonflies and flowers! In fact it deserves to be seen and used by a wide audience, and must easily fulfil its purpose in increasing knowledge and awareness amongst the public in Austria, Germany and neighbouring countries. The authors are to be congratulated for espousing the cause of protection and conservation for their native crayfish in a most attractive manner.
DAVID SUTCLIFFE
Abstract: The present study is the first to investigate the relationships between a multiple set of paranormal beliefs and the acceptance of evolution, creationism, and intelligent design, respectively, in Europe.
Using a questionnaire, 2,129 students at secondary schools in Vienna (Austria) answered the 26 statements of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (R-PBS) and three statements about naturalistic evolution, creationism and intelligent design (ID).
The investigated Austrian students showed an average R-PBS score of 82.08, more than 50% of them agreed with naturalistic evolution, 28% with creationism, and more than a third agreed with ID, the latter two closely correlated with each other. Females generally showed higher belief scores in the paranormal, creationism and ID. The agreement with naturalistic evolution correlated negatively with religious belief, but not with other paranormal beliefs, whereas the two non-scientific alternatives to evolution significantly correlated with both traditional and paranormal beliefs. Religious belief showed a significant positive correlation with other paranormal beliefs.
All subscales of paranormal belief decreased during the eight grades of secondary school, as did acceptance of creationism and ID. However, the acceptance of naturalistic evolution did not correlate with age or grade. Possible reasons and implications for science education and the biology curriculum at Austrian secondary schools are discussed.
Abstract: In a blind and randomised study, postlarval stages of the tadpole shrimp Triops cancriformis, the fairy shrimp Branchipus schaefferi, and the clam shrimp Leptestheria dahalacensis were exposed to different concentrations of a commonly available Bti suspension, equivalent to 0, 4.5 (recommended treatment concentration), 45, 450, and 4500 AA/l. No statistically significant correlations were found between Bti concentration and mortality or longevity of the examined organisms.
Abstract: For the first time since 1918, the tadpole shrimp Triops cancriformis
was rediscovered in Carinthia, on a military training camp in Klagen-
furt in May 2006. The co-occurring fairy shrimp species Branchipus
schaefferi is new for Carinthia.
Abstract: Six diï¬erent pH ranges were tested for the hatching rate of Triops cancriformis cysts. Cumulative hatching
numbers approach to approximately 50% of cysts. The highest hatching rates, co-occurring with the
shortest hatching times, were recorded in the neutral range. No hatching took place at pH values 9 and
above. This corresponds with the most frequent habitats of this species, snowmelt pools of river ï¬ood plains
as well as aestival pools caused by heavy rainfalls. Occurrences in sodic alkaline pans can be explained by
relatively low pH values at the time of inundation.
Abstract: Branchiopods reproductive mechanisms range from gonochorism to unisexuality, passing through androdioecy. In order to contribute to still lacking or controversial basic knowledges, we analyzed the karyotype of the main Italian taxa: the Notostracan living fossils Triops cancriformis (parthenogenetic) and Lepidurus apus lubbocki (bisexual), and the Conchostracan Eoleptestheria ticinensis (bisexual). Also one male obtained from a supposedly hermaphroditic Austrian population of T. cancriformis was checked. In T. cancriformis a diploid number of 12 chromosomes is observed in both females and male; this is in line with previous results on other Italian populations, but contrasts with observations on European samples. The richness of normal meiotic pictures indicates that the male specimen is able to produce sperms. L. apus lubbocki shows a diploid number of 10 chromosomes; in male specimens the mispairings during meiosis I could explain the haploid number of 6 chromosomes obtained from diakinetic plates in Palestinian samples of the same subspecies found in literature. Irregular meiotic divisions also highlight the ultrastructurally observed abortive spermatogenesis. Finally, in the presently analyzed population of E. ticinensis, the adult females show 10 chromosomes as diploid number, while males present 10 or 11 elements; in the nauplii, chromosome numbers range from 8 to 12, differing among unrelated individuals, between nauplii produced by the same female and even within the same nauplius. B elements are taken into account.
Abstract: Recent reports of occasional males in Austrian populations of Triops cancriformis have promoted interest in an analysis of the ultrastructure of the male gonad. It appears as a double thick and well-defined tubular structure running along the midgut, inside the hemocoel. It is composed of two portions: the wall and the lumen. The former is made up of germ cells that are widespread and intermixed with somatic cells. The lumen is â¼200 μm wide and acts as the collecting site of spermatids and sperm. The germ cells are recognizable by their rounded appearance and by the occurrence of exceptionally long synaptonemal complexes in their nuclei. Their maturation implies a volume elongation and an aggregation in a characteristic "cyst" arrangement. The cysts migrate towards the lumen, where they break open, releasing spermatids and sperm. At the end of this process the lumen is filled with maturing gametes. The sperm have very condensed chromatin nuclei and partially reduced cytoplasm where the most striking features are the axoneme and strewn microtubules together with evident pseudopodia. Our morphological data support the full functionality of males in T. cancriformis. However, further work on gametogenesis, distribution of sexes, and genetic analysis of breeding experiments are needed to reach a fuller understanding of the role of males in middle and northern European populations of this species.
Abstract: The cyst deposition behaviour of Streptocephalus torvicornis is described as the first documented case of active cyst deposition in Anostraca. The functional morphology of the brood pouch of S. torvicornis is described and illustrated using both Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The brood pouch is an elongated tube-like structure with a subterminal crescent-shaped opening. During cyst deposition, the females insert this structure into the sediment to a depth of almost 10 mm, and deposit the resting cysts, analogous to an insect ovipositor. The opening mechanism of the genital pore is explained by contraction of a branched longitudinal muscle. The adaptive value of laying cysts into the soil and possible dispersal strategies are discussed.
Abstract: With 16 species belonging to 14 genera, branchiopod diversity in Austria is very high which is mainly due to the biogeographical situation of the country: the floodplains of the Morava river, as well as the Neusiedler See â Seewinkel region show a strong Pannonian influence. Species with holarctic and European distribution also occur in Austria, as well as a few Mediterranean species. With the exception of Lynceus brachyurus (Laevicaudata), all species documented in Austria have been found within the last ten years, some of them for the first time in decades. Thus, almost one quarter of the 68 European large branchiopod species and two thirds of the 22 European genera presently known occur on less than 1% of the European land mass. Zusammenfassung: Mit 16 Arten in 14 Gattungen weist Ãsterreich eine beträchtliche Artenvielfalt an GroÃ-Branchiopoden auf. Verantwortlich dafür ist überwiegend die biogeografische Situation des Landes: Im Bereich der March und der Region Neusiedler See â Seewinkel dominieren pannonische Einflüsse, gleichzeitig treten Arten mit holarktischer und gesamteuropäischer Verbreitung im Gebiet auf, vereinzelt auch Arten mediterraner Herkunft. Mit Ausnahme einer Art (Lynceus brachyurus, Laevicaudata) wurden alle jemals in Ãsterreich dokumentierten Arten innerhalb der letzten zehn Jahre wieder nachgewiesen; einige davon hatten seit Jahrzehnten als verschollen gegolten. Damit sind fast ein Viertel der 68 europäischen GroÃ-Branchiopoden-Arten und zwei Drittel der 22 europäischen Gattungen auf weniger als einem Prozent der europäischen Landfläche vertreten.
Abstract: This paper presents a SEM documentation of the larval development of the two most abundant Austrian conchostracan species, Imnadia yeyetta (Limnadiidae) and Leptestheria dahalacensis (Leptestheriidae). As in several previously examined spinicaudatan species, five larval stages were documented: Nauplius 1, Nauplius 2, Metanauplius, Peltatulus, and Heilophore. Additionally, three postlarval stages of L. dahalacensis and the first larval instars of Eoleptestheria ticinensis and Limnadia lenticularis are shown and compared with the examined stages. Species identification of conchostracan larval stages is possible by using surface structures, and using SEM methods, except for L. lenticularis which can be identified more easily on the characteristic shape of the labrum.
Abstract: Limnadia lenticularis, a well known representative of the Conchostraca Spinicaudata in Europe, was generally accepted as a parthenogenetic species. During an intensive faunistic study of Austrian conchostracans, out of a total of 364 collected L. lenticularis specimens, four were males. This paper provides the collection localities, compares the sex ratio of the five conchostracan species found in Austria and describes the general morphology of L. lenticularis males, focussing on SEM of the male claspers.
Abstract: This paper presents data on the frequency of large branchiopod associations observed in Austria in 1994 - 1998. Co-occurrences of two to five different species were documented. The combination of species which occurred with highest frequency were Triops cancriformis / Imnadia yeyetta, I. yeyetta / Leptestheria dahalacensis, T. cancriformis / L. dahalacensis, I. yeyetta / Limnadia lenticularis, T. cancriformis / L. lenticularis, Lepidurus apus / Eubranchipus grubii, and T. cancriformis / Branchipus schaefferi. Significant low co-occurrence indices were found for species known to differ in phenological appearance, such as Triops cancriformis and Lepidurus apus. This species combination is known from four habitats in Europe only. Potential factors contributing to the co-occurrence of several species within a pond, ecological habitat parameters, species parameters and historic factors, are listed.
Abstract: In Austria, the distribution of Anostraca, Notostraca, and Conchostraca is mainly confined to the flood plains of the rivers Morava and Danube, and the shallow alkaline pans of the Seewinkel region in Burgenland province. Occasionally, large branchiopods can also be found in rain pools of the eastern and central Austrian lowlands, where topography and climate favour the existence of astatic water bodies. Differences in hydrology, temperature and water chemistry requirements may be reflected in local species compositions and species seasonal appearance. A survey conducted from 1994 through 1996 found that Chirocephalus shadini, Eubranchipus grubii, and Lepidurus apus occurred in late winter and spring, while Branchinecta ferox, Branchinecta orientalis, Cyzicus tetracerus and Chirocephalus carnuntanus were found exclusively in spring. Streptocephalus torvicornis, Tanymastix stagnalis, and Eoleptestheria ticinensis were present in spring and summer. Branchipus schaefferi was found in summer and fall, whereas Imnadia yeyetta, Leptestheria dahalacensis, Limnadia lenticularis, and Triops cancriformis occurred throughout spring, summer and fall. Streptocephalus torvicornis was documented for Austria for the first time since 1965.
Abstract: According to recent literature, five of the six known Austrian âconchostracanâ species are extinct. However, interim results of a current study on large freshwater branchiopods in Austria show that five species still occur at a restricted number of sites in the Pannonian region of Lower Austria. The clam shrimps Leptestheria dahalacensis and Eoleptestheria ticinensis were rediscovered in May 1994 in the flood plains of the river Morava near Marchegg. Imnadia yeyetta and Cyzicus tetracerus have been known to the authors in the same region since 1981, and 1992, respectively. Limnadia lenticularis occurs in the flood plains of the rivers Morava and Danube
Lynceus brachyurus, the only Austrian representative of the Laevicaudata, was not found and most probably got extinct.
All Austrian clam shrimp species are considered to be endangered. Main threats are agricultural activities and artificial changes of the hydrologic conditions. Conservational measures are discussed for their effectivity.
Abstract: Stark schwankende und unregelmäÃig eintretende Hochwässer sind in den March-Thaya-Auen maÃgebliche Faktoren für das Vorkommen und Ãberleben einer groÃen Anzahl seltener und spezialisierter Pflanzen- und Tierarten. Im südlichsten Bereich der March prägen zusätzlich rückstauende Donauhochwässer das Ãberflutungsgeschehen der Auen, was nicht nur aus hydrologischen Gründen einen besonderen Artenreichtum in bestimmten Organismengruppen begünstigt. Viele der March-Thaya-Spezialisten kommen österreichweit nur im Marchtal vor oder haben hier ihren Verbreitungsschwerpunkt. Als Arten der Tieflandsflüsse fehlen sie in den unterhalb von Wien noch montan geprägten Donauauen oder bilden dort nur wenige und oft individuenarme Populationen.
Die floristische und faunistische Eigenständigkeit der March-Thaya-Auen drückt sich vor allem im Vorkommen solcher Pflanzen- und Tiergruppen aus, die sehr starke Schwankungen des Wasserregimes ertragen. Als âExtremobiontenâ bezeichnen wir in diesem Beitrag Organismen, die ungünstige Phasen im Wechsel zwischen aquatischen und terrestrischen Bedingungen überstehen können. Als Beispiele für solche Extremobionten werden Pflanzen herbstlich trockenfallender Gewässerufer und periodisch überschwemmter Senken vorgestellt, unter den Tieren vor allem GroÃ-Branchiopoden (âUrzeitkrebseâ) und Turbellarien (Strudelwürmer) astatischer Gewässer sowie Chilopoda (HundertfüÃer) und Carabidae (Laufkäfer) der regelmäÃig überschwemmten Weichholzauen. Den Lebenszyklus mit dem Abflussgeschehen zu synchronisieren wäre eine der möglichen Ãberlebensstrategien, ist aber wegen der Unvorhersagbarkeit des Ãberflutungsgeschehens nur eingeschränkt möglich.
Analogien, aber auch deutliche Unterschiede in der Strategie pflanzlicher und tierischer Organismen werden vor allem am Beispiel der kurzlebigen âUrzeitkrebseâ und der âwechselnassen Zwergpflanzenflurenâ (Isoeto-Nanojuncetea) aufgezeigt.
Abstract: On the method of threat assessment: principles,
updates, interpretation, application
Weprovideupdatesandadditionstothecategorisationconcept forthepresent second
e provide updates and additions to the categorisation concept for the present second
part of the Austrian Red Lists of threatened animals. Firstly, we illustrate the basic ra-
tionale of relating data on abundance, abundance trends and habitat on the one hand to
uniformly defined threat categories on the other hand. We show why calibration of threat
indicators assumes a central position in the categorisation process. Then we describe thestructureandfunctionofthecategorisationkey,whichwasrevisedforthepresentsecond
ucture and function of the categorisation key, which was revised for the present second
part of the Red Lists. A two-dimensional categorisation matrix maps either abundance
and abundance trend values or, alternatively, habitat availability and habitat trend values
on to particular preliminary threat categories. The remaining threat indicators may then
upgrade or downgrade the category by one step in a process termed adjustment. Finally
we discuss the interpretation of the category âData Deficientâ, the threat indicator scales,
and the definition of threat categories in terms of âextinction probability per unit timeâ;
we show how Blue Lists could supplement the present work, and we describe how data
presented in this volume could be used for biodiversity monitoring.
Abstract: The concept of threat assessment for the present Red Lists is presented. Red Lists of threat-
ened organisms are well-established tools for species conservation. New requirements in habi-
tat quality assessment and environmental control, however, stimulated an international dis-
cussion that led to a new IUCN Red List threat criteria system. In the light of this progress,
Umweltbundesamt Austria developed a national threat assessment system that is intended
to improve precision, reliability, consistency, objectivity, intelligibility, documentation,
repeatability and international comparability of Red Lists. Various types of input data (e. g.
grid cell frequencies, numbers of breeding pairs) can be used to calibrate a series of threat
descriptors, namely âabundanceâ, âabundance trendsâ, ârange trendsâ, âhabitat availabilityâ,
âhabitat trendsâ, âdirect human influenceâ, âimmigrationâ and âother risk factorsâ. A
dichotomous key maps particular descriptor combinations on to the final threat category
scale. Threat categories are named according to IUCN standards and defined as in IUCN
criterion E in terms of extinction probability per unit time. The Red List presentation
includes scientific and German species names, threat category, descriptor values, national
responsibility and call for action. A comment column links to a text box, which may con-
tain additional information on data quality, categorisation rationale, and appropriate con-
servation measures. Application of the concept to the animal groups assessed in this volume
showed data deficiencies in particular for the descriptors abundance trend, habitat availability
and habitat trends. Nevertheless, in most cases it was possible to assign a threat category and
to thoroughly justify the categorisation.
Abstract: For the first time, Anostraca, Notostraca and Conchostraca (Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata) will be listed in the Austrian Red Data Book of Endangered Species. According to the 1999 IUCN draft criteria, eight out of 15 large branchiopod species recorded between 1994 and 1999 are considered as critically endangered, three of which (Chirocephalus shadini, Eoleptestheria ticinensis, Streptocephalus torvicornis) occur at only one site each. Five species are considered as endangered, two of them (Branchinecta orientalis, Triops cancriformis) showing a statistically significant decrease of sites. Eubranchipus grubii and Lepidurus apus, both found abundantly mainly in the flood plains along the rivers Thaya and Morava, are near threatened. Lynceus brachyurus is extinct in Austria. Large branchiopods are mainly threatened by agricultural activities and hydrological/hydrochemical changes. Presently, three Austrian locations are protected exclusively on the basis of large branchiopod occurrence; three additional habitats are in the process of obtaining official protection. Several large populations are situated in the WWF nature reserve âMarch-Auenâ, and in the National Parks âDonau-Auenâ and âNeusiedler See - Seewinkelâ, respectively.
Abstract: The large branchiopod fauna of the Austrian Morava river flood plains
The Morava river system hosts the highest large branchiopod diversity in Austria. Ten out of the 16 species
reported for Austria have been recently found along the Morava river. Eubranchipus grubii and Lepidurus apus,
two cold-stenothermal species, occur in astatic waters along the Austrian part of the lower Thaya and Morava
river. All other large branchiopod species are reported only from restricted areas south of the village of Stillfried.
In Austria, the fairy shrimp Chirocephalus shadini inhabits exclusively the "Pulverturm"-ponds near Marchegg.
These ponds represent the world's first area declared as a nature reserve based solelyon a large branchiopod
population. Branchipus schaefferi is presently known along the Morava river only from a single site near the vil-
lage of Markthof. Triops cancriformis has been reported from a few sites between the village of Angern and the
"Blumengang" , adepression near the mouth of the Morava river. Similar-sized individuals of T. cancriformis and
L. apus were found syntopically in the Lange Lüsse near Marchegg in 1988 and 1994. The northernmost (for-
mer) occurrence of conchostracan species along the Austrian part of the Morava flood plains was reported from
a site near Stillfried. In 1994/1995, conchostracans were found close to and south of the city of Marchegg. The
single cold-stenothermal species among the five presently recorded conchostracans, Cyzicus tetracerus, was
found in small numbers near Marchegg and the "Blumengang". With the exception of August, Imnadia yeyetta
was recorded between April and October at the "Dammwiese", a former soccer field in Marchegg, the Lange
Lüsse and the Blumengang . Postembryonie stages of Limnadia lenticularis and Leptestheria dahalacensis were
found in the Lange Lüsse as weil as in the Blumengang, mainly during the summer months. Eo/eptestheria
ticinensis is known only from the Blumengang, where it was found in the months of June and July only.
Abstract: Large branchiopods in the collection "Evertebrata varia" of the
OÃ. Landesmuseum (Linz, Austria)
Specimens of 13 out of 16 large branchiopod species documented in Austria have been deposited in the collec-
tion "Evertebrata varia" of the OÃ. Landesmuseum (= LI). Triops cancriformis and Leptestheria dahalacensis
collected in 1940 and 1948 near the village Alkoven represent the single in a collection documented records of
large branchiopods in the province of Upper Austria.
Abstract: The Blumengang-depression: Chronology of a nature reserve
for large branchiopods
The Blumengang-site, a large astatic water body near the mouth of the Morava river shows the highest diver-
sityof large branchiopod species in Austria. Adult individuals of all five Austrian spinicaudatan conchostracans
and Triops cancriformiswere reported from this site during the investigation period 1994/1995.The conserva-
tion activitieswhich will turn the Blumengang into a nature reserve ("Naturdenkmal")in 1996 are presented
chronologically.
Abstract: The relevance of large branchiopods for economy, conservation, and science
Economic value results from the production of Artemia salina larvae from cysts as a food source in fish
breeding. Anostracans are used in toxicological tests, and are propagated as a novel biological technology for
reclamation of livestock contaminated waters. Due to their specialized ecology, large branchiopods are
interesting objects for biological education and research. In conservational terms, large branchiopods have the
capability to serve as indicators, "umbreIla species", and "flagship species" (sensu NEWT1993), and serve as
an important food source for birds.
Abstract: The large branchiopod fauna of the Austrian Danube river flood plains
Hydrological differences between the Danube and Morava floodplains are reflected by the large branchiopod
fauna occuring in astatic water bodies. Cold-stenothermal species can be found along the Morava during spring
inundations, whereas species preferring warm water are found along the Oanube during high waters in summer.
Because of flood-control measures and hydroelectric power plants, the Oanube has undergone fundamental
ecological changes. Large branchiopods disappeared from former Oanubian inundation areas in
Austria, except for the wetlands between Vienna and the Hungarian border, wh ich will be part of a national park
due to open in 1996.
Abstract: Large branchiopod sites outside the main Austrian areas Morava,
Danube, and Seewinkel
Large branchiopod occurence is mainly confined to the flood plains of the rivers Morava and Danube, as weil
as to the Seewinkel region in Burgenland pravince. In Burgenland, large branchiopods can also occasionally
be found in the northern (Lepidurus apus), central (Triops cancriformis, Branchipus schaefferi) and southern
region (1995 first record of Eubranchipus grubii in Burgenland). Some former sites of the laevicaudatan
Lynceus brachyurus, the anostracan Streptocephalus torvicornis (both most prabably extinct in Austria), and
the spinicaudatan Cyzicus tetracerus were destrayed bya recently built highway. The only B. schaefferi site in
central Burgenland is currently seriously threatened by a nearby waste dump.
Within the city of Vienna, Eo/eptestheria ticinensis, Leptestheria dahalacensis, B. schaefferi, S. torvicornis, and
T. cancriformis occured in temporary pools after heavy rainfalls. These habitats were destrayed due to urba-
nization or drainage. In the lowlands south of Vienna (Wiener Becken), several known habitats of B. schaefferi,
T. stagnalis, L. dahalacensis, I. yeyetta, L. lenticularis, L. apus, and T. cancriformis were destrayed during the
last decades or have not been inundated for a very long time. However, B. schaefferi was found at new sites
in rain pools near the city of Wiener Neustadt.
Few findings of large branchiopods were reported fram other Austrian regions outside the main areas Morava,
Danube and Seewinkel. The highest site of B. schaefferi was documented on the "Hohe Wand" (Lower
Austria), at an altitude of 880 m. In 1940, B. schaefferi was also reported fram the "Schöckl", a mountain in
Styria. The first and only record of L.apus for Carinthia was given in 1969. These records, however rare, show
the possibility of a wider distribution of large branchiopods in Austria than generally expected.
Abstract: Large branchiopod fauna of the Seewinkel region (Burgenland, Austria)
The shallow alkaline lakes in the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel region, Austria's first national park meeting the
IUCNcriteria, present a unique habitat for large branchiopods. The anostracans Branchinecta orientalis and
B. ferox are highlyadapted to sodic waters. The fairyshrimp Chirocephaluscarnuntanusand the notostracan
Triops cancriformis tolerating high salinity can be found in the astatic Seewinkel pans. The anostracans
Branchipus schaefferi, Tanymastix stagnalis, and the conchostracans Imnadia yeyetta and Leptestheria
dahalacensis could be documented in various species compositions on irregularily flooded meadows, in most
cases co-occuring with Triops cancriformis.
Abstract: Identification of Austrian large branchiopods
An aid to identify adult individuals of Austrian large branchiopods (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca, Noto-
straca, and Conchostraca) is presented. It includes short notes on the biology and the local distribution of each
species. Out of 16 Austrian species reported, 14 were documented, mainly in the pannonian lowlands of eastern
Austria, in 1994 and 1995.
Abstract: Using a randomized questionnaire, 2,129 students at secondary schools in Vienna (Austria) answered the 26 statements of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale and three statements about naturalistic evolution, Intelligent Design and creationism. The investigated Austrian students have an average R-PBS score of 82.08, more than 50% of them agree with evolution, more than a third with ID, and 28% with creationism, the latter two closely correlated with each other. Females generally show higher belief scores in the paranormal, ID and creationism. Principal component analysis confirmed the seven PBS subscales previously described and showed a close relationship between the three statements about life on earth and traditional religious belief. The two non-scientific explanations of life are significantly correlated with both traditional and paranormal beliefs, whereas naturalistic evolution correlates negatively with religious beliefs. Paranormal belief significantly decreases during the eight grades of secondary school, as well as the agreement to Intelligent Design and creationism. However, the agreement to naturalistic evolution does not correlate with age or grade.
Abstract: Bereits 1982 wurde in Ãsterreich das weltweit erste Schutzgebiet für eine Branchiopoden-Art (Chirocephalus shadini, Anostraca) geschaffen. Seit 1994 sind die Autoren intensiv und erfolgreich um den Schutz heimischer Krebse, vor allem der seltenen GroÃ-Branchiopoden, bemüht. Durch Ãffentlichkeitsarbeit (populärwissenschaftliche Publikationen, Rote Listen, Ausstellungen, Websites: www.urzeitkrebse.at, www.flusskrebse.at) wurde eine breite Akzeptanz des Artenschutzes geschaffen, die mehrere konkrete Unterschutzstellungen zur Folge hatte.
Der Verein zur Erhaltung und Förderung ländlicher Lebensräume (âDistelvereinâ) brachte naturschutzfachliche Kriterien im Rahmen der Ausgleichszahlungen für landwirtschaftliche Stilllegungen (Brachen, âÃkowertflächenâ, âVertragsnaturschutzâ) ein und erarbeitete im Rahmen von âLifeâ-Projekten unter anderem ein âWise Useâ Konzept für die âLange Lüsseâ, ein 5 km2 groÃes, natürliches Retentionsgebiet an der March. Eine Aktion zum Kauf naturschutzfachlich wertvoller Flächen (âMein m2 Marchwieseâ) wurde gestartet. â Aktuell sind âNachwachsende Rohstoffeâ der neue Trend in der europäischen Landwirtschaftsförderung; der âVertragsnaturschutzâ ist für Bauern wirtschaftlich nicht mehr interessant. Der âDistelvereinâ musste seine operative Tätigkeit im Vorjahr einstellen. âEnergiewälderâ aus allochthonen Pappelklonen verändern den Charakter ehemals ausgedehnter extensiver Wiesenlandschaften der March-Auen. Das Verschlechterungsverbot in Natura 2000-Gebieten scheint nicht zu greifen.
Eine Europäische TransitschnellstraÃe (S8) soll in den nächsten Jahren das Natura 2000 und Ramsar-Gebiet March-Auen im Bereich der Langen Lüsse queren. Naturschutzrechtliche Einwände werden voraussichtlich an der wirtschaftlichen Prioritätensetzung scheitern.
Der bestehende Hochwasserschutzdamm entlang der March-Auen wird nach den Jahrhunderthochwässern 2002 und 2006 erhöht und abgedichtet. Qualmwassertümpel gehen verloren. In der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie empfohlene VergröÃerungen der Retentionsflächen finden kaum statt.
2008 kam es zur Verkleinerung des seit 1996 bestehenden Naturdenkmals âBlumengang-Senkeâ; ein Teil der seit 1996 wieder instandgesetzten Wiesenfläche wurde umgepflügt, da die Entschädigungszahlungen, die das Land Niederösterreich an den Eigentümer Republik Ãsterreich entrichten muss, zu hoch sind: Entschädigungszahlungen dafür, dass das Land den internationalen Naturschutzverpflichtungen, die Ãsterreich auf Bundesebene eingegangen ist, nachkommt.
Akuter Handlungsbedarf für den Natur- und Artenschutz ist also weiterhin gegeben â auch in geschützten Gebieten.
Abstract: The investigated species, Branchipus schaefferi, inhabits temporary pools and puddles at an early
succession stage, without (or with poor) vegetation. Once covered by vegetation, these short-lived
habitats are no more suitable for the fairy shrimp. In this highly variable environment, it is crucial
for this species not only to maintain a persisting âcyst bankâ in the mud for surviving drought
periods, but also to colonize potential new habitats, both means of escaping temporal and spatial
stress. We currently investigate whether a split dispersal strategy is present in this fairy shrimp
species, and if predatory birds are a frequent and efficient dispersal mechanism of B. schaefferi
cysts.
Abstract: Since 1994, the authors have been working intensively on faunistics and conservation of Austrian crustaceans, mainly large freshwater branchiopods (Crustacea: Branchiopoda excl. Cladocera) and crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Astacidae). Agricultural development, changes of hydrological conditions and urbanisation are the main threats to large branchiopod diversity in Austria, whereas alien species introduction is the dominating threat to native crayfish.
Both issues were addressed to a broad public audience by popular science books and websites, more than 50 articles in local journals, public talks, interviews on radio and TV, and interactive exhibitions in local museums.
Public awareness caused the accelerated protection of the most important Austrian large branchiopod habitats as nature reserves. We published local Red Lists, and several species were protected by the Lower Austrian regulation for species conservation due to our initiative.
Recent developments create new threats and arouse old ones again. A local NGO that was successfully managing the "wise use" of flooded meadows along the Morava and Dye rivers for 20 years, abandoned its work in 2008. Due to new EU policy and changed subsidies, farmers cease cooperation with conservationists and produce "renewable energy" instead: Climate protection versus nature conservation may become a critical challenge for the next decades.
Abstract: Red Lists of threatened organisms are well-established tools for species conservation and environmental control. However, vagueness of threat criteria and inconsistencies in their application had stimulated a critical discussion on assessment methodology, which produced a new IUCN criteria system for the world lists of threatened species. In the light of this progress, the Federal Environment Agency in Vienna has developed a concept for national threat assessment, which is intended to improve consistency, repeatability, objectivity and documentation of future Austrian red lists. Data of different types and quality can be incorporated into the assessment process. With these data, several threat descriptor scales (e. g. abundance, abundance trends, habitat availability, direct human influence) are calibrated for each animal group to be listed. Then, threat descriptor value combinations are linked to threat categories by means of a dichotomous key. Threat categories are uniformly defined in terms of extinction probability per unit time, corresponding to IUCN criterion E. This ensures unambiguous interpretation, compatibility to the IUCN approach and international comparability of the assessment results. The final list displays threat category, threat descriptor values, national responsibility, action priority and a reference to a comment field for any additional information on threat factors, reasoning and data quality. Under particular scale calibrations, the IUCN criteria appear as a special case in the proposed system.
Abstract: Red Lists of threatened organisms are well-established tools for species conservation and environmental control. However, vagueness of threat criteria and inconsistencies in their application had stimulated a critical discussion on assessment methodology, which produced a new IUCN criteria system for the world lists of threatened species. In the light of this progress, the Federal Environment Agency in Vienna has developed a concept for national threat assessment, which is intended to improve consistency, repeatability, objectivity and documentation of future Austrian red lists. Data of different types and quality can be incorporated into the assessment process. With these data, several threat descriptor scales (e. g. abundance, abundance trends, habitat availability, direct human influence) are calibrated for each animal group to be listed. Then, threat descriptor value combinations are linked to threat categories by means of a dichotomous key. Threat categories are uniformly defined in terms of extinction probability per unit time, corresponding to IUCN criterion E. This ensures unambiguous interpretation, compatibility to the IUCN approach and international comparability of the assessment results. The final list displays threat category, threat descriptor values, national responsibility, action priority and a reference to a comment field for any additional information on threat factors, reasoning and data quality. Under particular scale calibrations, the IUCN criteria appear as a special case in the proposed system.
Abstract: For the first time, Anostraca, Notostraca and Conchostraca (Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata) will be listed in the Austrian Red Data Book of Endangered Species. According to the 1999 IUCN draft criteria, Lynceus brachyurus, is regionally extinct (RE). Three out of 15 large branchiopod species recorded between 1994 and 1999 (Chirocephalus shadini, Eoleptestheria ticinensis, Streptocephalus torvicornis) are known from only one site each and are considered as critically endangered (CR), such as Branchinecta ferox, Chirocephalus carnuntanus, Cyzicus tetracerus, and Tanymastix stagnalis, which occur at less than five sites in small populations. Large populations of Branchinecta orientalis, Limnadia lenticularis, Leptestheria dahalacensis, as well as Branchipus schaefferi are known from 10, 10, 11, and 26 sites, respectively. These species are considered as endangered (EN), mainly threatened by agricultural activities or hydrological/hydrochemical changes, such as Imnadia yeyetta (28 sites) and Triops cancriformis (36), which are rated as vulnerable (VU). Near threatened (NT) are Eubranchipus grubii and Lepidurus apus, both found abundantly (>65) mainly in the flood plains along the rivers Thaya and Morava. Presently, three Austrian locations are protected exclusively on the basis of large branchiopod occurrence; three additional habitats are in the process of protection. Several large populations are situated in the WWF nature reserve "March-Auen", and in the national parks "Donau-Auen" and "Neusiedler See - Seewinkel", respectively.
Abstract: The present study is the first to investigate the relationships between a multiple set of paranormal beliefs and the acceptance of evolution, creationism, and intelligent design, respectively, in Europe.
Using a questionnaire, 2,129 students at secondary schools in Vienna (Austria) answered the 26 statements of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (R-PBS) and three statements about naturalistic evolution, creationism and intelligent design (ID).
The investigated Austrian students showed an average R-PBS score of 82.08, more than 50% of them agreed with naturalistic evolution, 28% with creationism, and more than a third agreed with ID, the latter two closely correlated with each other. Females generally showed higher belief scores in the paranormal, creationism and ID. The agreement with naturalistic evolution correlated negatively with religious belief, but not with other paranormal beliefs, whereas the two non-scientific alternatives to evolution significantly correlated with both traditional and paranormal beliefs. Religious belief showed a significant positive correlation with other paranormal beliefs.
All subscales of paranormal belief decreased during the eight grades of secondary school, as did acceptance of creationism and ID. However, the acceptance of naturalistic evolution did not correlate with age or grade. Possible reasons and implications for science education and the biology curriculum at Austrian secondary schools are discussed.
Abstract: The mating behaviour of Cylindroiulus boleti, Cylindroiulus luridus and Cylindroiulus caeruleo-cinctus (Julidae, Diplopoda) is described. This behaviour is very similar to most examined Julidae. Males initiate mating by mounting on the female's back. Then the mates copulate facing one another with their ventral sides.
SEM-photographs show the function of sexual dimorphisms. Mandible processes, unci (first pair of male legs) and ventral pads are designed to facilitate fixation of the female during copulation.
For the first time, it was shown that the male of Cylindroiulus Ëfeeds the female during mating with secretions produced by the coxal glands of the second pair of legs. Hitherto, such feeding behaviour has only been known in Julus scandinavius. In species with a highly evolved feeding behaviour other sexual dimorphisms are reduced.
The pairing of gonopods and vulvae is examined using sagittal cuts. Gonopodial tongs of promerites and mesomerites pull out the opercula vulvae. Opisthomerites are not introduced into the oviducts but are tightly attached to the bursa, the seminal duct leading to the receptacula. Different theories on genital morphology are discussed. A possible "female choice" by coiling up the forepart is also discussed.
Abstract: Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt ein Konvolut von Publikationen über GroÃ-Branchiopoden dar, mit den Schwerpunkten Entwicklung, Verbreitung und Schutz.
Das Kapitel âEntwicklungâ beginnt mit der Erstbeschreibung der Männchen von Limnadia lenticularis, eines bisher als rein parthenogenetisch bekannten Conchostraken, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf die artspezifisch ausgebildeten âmale claspersâ, zu Greifhaken umgebildete Sexualdimorphismen der Männchen, gelegt wurde. Das â wenn auch nur sporadische â Auftreten von Männchen bei L. lenticularis wirft ein neues Licht auf den Fortpflanzungsmodus dieser Art und belegt zumindest das gelegentliche Auftreten von Selbstbefruchtung bei den normalerweise parthenogenetischen Weibchen.
Die Larvalentwicklung der meisten Conchostraca wurde bisher nicht untersucht. Nur bei wenigen auÃereuropäischen bzw. nicht in Ãsterreich vorkommenden Arten wurden alle Larvenstadien beschrieben; gelegentlich wurden unvollständige Beschreibungen einzelner Stadien publiziert, oder die Larvalentwicklung unvollständig dokumentiert. In der vor¬liegenden Publikation wurden die Larvenstadien zweier conchostraker Arten, Imnadia yeyetta (Limnadiidae) und Leptestheria dahalacensis (Leptestheriidae) sowie die Naupliuslarven von Limnadia lenticularis (Limnadiidae) und Eoleptestheria ticinensis (Leptestheriidae) erstmals mit Hilfe der Rasterelektronenmikroskopie beschrieben.
Neben den flachen Sodaseen im burgenländischen Seewinkel und einzelnen, ausschlieÃlich durch starke Regen¬fälle bedingten Kleingewässern im Wiener Becken und an einzelnen Sonderstandorten zählen die Donau- und vor allem die Marchauen zu den bedeutendsten heimischen Verbreitungsgebieten der GroÃ-Branchiopoden. Neben dem Neunachweis zahlreicher bisher unbekannter Fundstellen kam es seit 1994 zur Wieder¬entdeckung von in Ãsterreich seit Jahrzehnten nicht nachgewiesenen Arten: Die Anostraca Chirocephalus carnuntanus (seit 1963 in Ãsterreich verschollen), Streptocephalus torvicornis (seit 1965 in Ãsterreich verschollen) und Tanymastix stagnalis (seit 1979 in Ãsterreich verschollen) wurden im Burgenland wiederentdeckt; die Muschelschaler Leptestheria dahalacensis (seit 1975 in Ãsterreich verschollen), Eoleptestheria ticinensis (seit 1879 in Ãsterreich verschollen, Neufund für Niederösterreich) wurden in Niederösterreich gefunden. Insgesamt wurden von den 16 bisher in Ãsterreich bekannten Arten zwischen 1994 und 2000 in Ostösterreich 15 nachgewiesen. â Eine Untersuchung der Autökologie der heimischen Arten, vor allem hinsichtlich hydrologischer und hydrochemischer Bedingungen, ist noch ausständig. Die vorliegenden Daten zu Phänologie und âCo-occurrenceâ geben erste Hinweise, dass sich die Arten der heimischen GroÃ-Branchiopoden in ihren ökologischen Ansprüchen deutlich voneinander unterscheiden. Eine Differenzierung in kalt-stenotherme, thermophile und m.o.w. eurytherme Arten ist erkennbar.
Auf Grund der Gefährdung der GroÃ-Branchiopoden wurden in Ãsterreich bereits mehrere Schutzinitiativen gesetzt. Obwohl fünf der zehn wichtigsten GroÃ-Branchiopoden-Vorkommen Ãsterreichs mittlerweile unter Schutz stehen, ist die Hälfte der heimischen Arten nach den aktuellen Rote-Liste-Kriterien als âvom Aussterben bedrohtâ (CR) zu beurteilen, fünf Arten gelten als âstark gefährdetâ (EN), und eine als verschollen (EX).
Abstract: Red lists are among the most important and popular instruments of environmental control
and nature conservation. However, owing to the vagueness of red list threat category defini-
tions and the lack of a standardised assessment methodology, they have come under scru-
tiny. To improve risk assessment and threat categorisation, the IUCN initiated a symposium
in November 1984 that became the starting point of a review process of the original criteria.
The discussion is ongoing. It was evident that an update of the Austrian Red List of Threat-
ened Animals had to take into account these developments and had to incorporate the re-
cent progress.
We propose a system that should improve comparability between red lists and intelligibility of
the risk assessment procedure. Conceptually, the draft aims at considering and incorporat-
ing recent implications from population viability analysis and metapopulation biology. While
retaining full compatibility to the IUCN approach, the assessment methodology separates
threat descriptors (such as abundance data, abundance trends, habitat availability and range
development, which are regarded as independent variables), from the dependent variable
âextinction threatâ (which is defined in terms of extinction probability per time unit in the
sense IUCN-criterion E).
Most threat descriptors are displayed on a decimal scale ranging from 0 to 10 (for abun-
dance descriptors) or from â10 to +10 (for trend descriptors). Basic data of abundance (such
as the number of grid squares, individuals or sites of occurrence) are mapped onto these
scales by a group-dependent rationale that may be defined appropriately.
In the absence of species-specific detailed viability models linking independent descriptors to
the target variable âextinction threatâ, we provide a simple generic model based on abun-
dance (of populations, individuals or amount of available habitat) and abundance trends. To
avoid complicated AND-OR statements, a dichotomous determination key leads directly to
the threat categories.
To permit a comparison between threatened and non-threatened species within a particular
genus, all Austrian species of the animal groups considered are listed. The tables consist of
the species name, threat descriptor values and threat categories (which are labelled ac-
cording to the IUCN rules). One additional column indicates the national responsibility for the
conservation of the species based on the distribution range proportion situated within Aus-
tria. A second column displays conservation priorities. Comments explaining the categorisa-
tion rationale, the particular threats that impinge on the species and possible conservation
measures may be additionally provided for every species in a text field in free format.
The demands on data quality are elevated and deficiencies may become apparent in many
invertebrate groups. Even if the basic assessment requirements have not been altered, the
categorisation process may be much more laborious than previously. The efforts will be re-
warded by a higher degree of basic descriptor data publication, methodological intelligibility
and among-group consistency.
Abstract: Kurzvorträge mit Sketches von Anne Frütel und Jörg Wipplinger
17:00 Herbert Haas: Die Kraft des Mondes
17:40 Florian Aigner: Quanten-Mystik
18:20 Pause
18:50 Ulrich Berger: Tricksen mit Statistik
19:30 Erich Eder: Ãbersinnliches bei Tieren
Abstract: Ãber ein Viertel der Wiener Gymnasiasten glaubt an Hellseherei, Hexerei und Kontakte mit dem jenseits. Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt eine groà angelegte Fragebogenstudie, die jetzt im Fachjournal Science & Education veröffentlicht wurde. Die Untersuchung zeigte weiter eine groÃe Verbreitung traditionell religiöser Glaubensinhalte unter den Schülern. und sie zeigt, zur Ãberraschung der Forscher, dass dieser Glaube und Aberglaube oft Hand in Hand gehen. Es scheint an der Zeit, Abschied uz nehmen vom Modell der "Ersatzreligion" Esoterik.
Abstract: Rainer Wolf (Univ. Würzburg): Vom Sinn und Unsinn der Sinnestäuschung. (Darwin Lectures, Dep.f .Evolutionsbiologie, HS 1, UZA-I)
Roland Leitner (Univ. Wien): Eine kurze Geschichte der Intelligent Design
Theorie und Bewegung
Florian Aigner (TU Wien): Quantenmystik und Schwingungszauber â moderne Physik und Esoterik
Krista Federspiel (Wien): Die âandereâ Medizin: Was versprechen und was halten alternativmedizinische Konzepte?
Erich Eder (Univ. Wien): Wie wirkt Wasserbelebung? Das Geheimnis des âGrander-Wassersâ
Katharina Turic & Erich Eder (Univ. Wien): Ergebnisse der âParanormal Belief Scaleâ bei Schülern der AHS
Ulrich Berger (WU Wien): Bizarre Forschungsblüten â Alternativwissenschaft
in Ãsterreich
Heinz Oberhummer (TU Wien): âScience Bustersâ â Wissenschaft für alle!
Abstract: Der dramatische Rückgang der heimischen Flusskrebse ist eines der extremsten Beispiele für die Gefahr, die von eingeschleppten Arten ausgehen kann. Europaweit sind alle autochthonen (ursprünglich heimischen) Flusskrebse stark gefährdet, in manchen Ländern (z.B. Schweden) bereits ausgestorben. Dafür ist in erster Linie eine von amerikanischen Krebsen übertragene Pilzkrankheit verantwortlich, die sogenannte Krebspest. Ihre hohe Infektionsrate und die nahezu 100%ige Mortalität in infizierten Populationen sind in der Tiermedizin eine epidemiologische Einzigartigkeit!
Der erste Krebspest-Fall in Ãsterreich datiert aus dem Jahr 1879; in den folgenden Jahren wurden zahlreiche Krebspopulationen in ganz Ãsterreich infiziert. Zunächst schrieb man das auffällige Massensterben der Flusskrebse dem Erdbeben vom 9. November 1880 zu. Erst in den 1930er Jahren wurde zweifelsfrei bewiesen, dass es sich bei dem Erreger der Krebspest um den Fadenpilz Aphanomyces astaci handelt.
Aphanomyces astaci tritt vermutlich bei allen nordamerikanischen Flusskrebs-Arten auf. Auf Grund der Coevolution von Pilz und Wirt werden die Krebse dabei meist kaum geschädigt, falls ihr Organismus nicht durch andere Einflüsse stark geschwächt ist. Unsere heimischen Arten â Edelkrebs (Astacus astacus), Sumpfkrebs (Astacus leptodactylus), Steinkrebs (Austropotamobius torrentium) und Dohlenkrebs (Austropotamobius pallipes) besitzen diesen Abwehrmechanismus aber nicht und sind daher für die Krebspest empfänglich. Der Pilz kann ungehindert in Muskulatur und Bindegewebe eindringen.
Trotzdem gibt es noch zahlreiche gesunde Bestände heimischer Flusskrebse â es besteht also noch Hoffnung auf den Erhalt der gefährdeten Arten. Da es bisher noch keine Behandlungsmöglichkeiten gegen die Krebspest gibt, sind Prävention und Aufklärung wichtig. Mit einer Wanderausstellung (âFlusskrebse Ãsterreichsâ: erstmals Linz 1998, zuletzt Hardegg 2007) und dem gleichnamigen Buch haben wir versucht, eine fachlich fundierte, breite Kreise ansprechende Information zur aktuellen Situation der Flusskrebse in Ãsterreich zu bieten â für alle naturkundlich Interessierten, aber vor allem auch für Fischer und Teichbewirtschafter. Dabei steht die Problematik der âAmerikanerâ und der Krebspest im Vordergrund. Daneben richten sich kleinere Broschüren mit Bestimmungsschlüsseln und MaÃnahmenvorschlägen direkt an einen groÃen Kreis von Betroffenen. Engagierte Krebszüchter widmen sich der Nachzucht heimischer Edelkrebse und dem Besatz in geeignete Gewässer. Solange keine wirksamen Methoden zur Eindämmung der eingeschleppten, allochthonen Arten gefunden werden, besteht die einzige Ãberlebenschance für die heimischen Krebse darin, die weitere Ausbreitung und Ansiedlung der Neozoen nach Möglichkeit zu verlangsamen.
Abstract: Welche Tiere, Pflanzen, Lebensräume bedürfen derzeit unseres besonderen Schutzes? Diese Frage ist im Sinne des Erhalts der globalen Biodiversität nicht nur auf lokaler, sondern auch auf europäischer Ebene zu beantworten.
Abstract: Flusskrebse waren früher beinahe in allen europäischen Gewässern häufig - heute sind sie selten geworden. In den Bächen des Nationalparks Thayatal finden sie jedoch noch einen idealen Lebensraum. Eine Untersuchung soll dazu beitragen, den lokalen Bestand auch künftig zu sichern und die Wiederausbreitung zu fördern. Seit dem Mittelalter genossen Flusskrebse als Fastenspeise und Delikatesse hohe Wertschätzung. Vor etwa 100 Jahren aber brach in Europa die Krebspest, eine infektiöse Pilzerkrankung, aus, die viele der heimischen Krebsvorkommen auslöschte. Diese wird vor allem durch importierte nordamerikanische Arten übertragen, welche gegen den Erreger resistent sind.
Die Ausstellung präsentiert alle in Ãsterreich vorkommenden Arten lebend in Aquarien. Mit einem groÃen beweglichen Modell und umfangreichen Bildmaterial wird die Biologie der Flusskrebse dargestellt, auch die Aspekte Fischerei, Zucht und kulinarische Bedeutung kommen nicht zu kurz.
Für Kinder gibt es ein Flusskrebs-Quiz.
Zusätzlich gibt es eine philatelistische Besonderheit: Alle Flusskrebs-Briefmarken der Welt, vielfach Ersttagsausgaben, werden gezeigt, darunter die 2007 erschienene österreichische Flusskrebs-Marke, von der signierte Ersttagskuverts an der Kasse erhältlich sind.
