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In the lakes of several parks and wetlands of Bogotá A species of crab has been detected that not only competes for food with native or wild species, but also represents a risk to human health.
It is the crayfish or red crab (Procambarus clarkii), native to the southeastern United States and distributed from the Gulf of Mexico coast to Florida.
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This voracious predator, that endangers the native crab of the Savannah (dark brown) and various fish, It entered the country through the Valle de Cauca, it was kept in closed crops, but due to improper handling it was released into natural spaces. From there they were dispersed until they reached various areas of the country, thanks to the fact that it has a very fast reproductive cycle and is highly adaptable to different ecosystems.
It is so aggressive and invasive that to feed itself it ends up with smaller species and when it does not find food, it eats its own species.
Red crabs o River lobster have a very fast reproductive cycle, which is why they quickly invade the ecosystems in which they settle. Photo: District Secretary for the Environment.
From the District Environment Secretariat they reported that these species occupy natural ecosystems different from their own, they are characterized by having a wide and varied diet, and are disease transmitters for other specimens. It consumes, for example, larvae of other species, a situation that generates conflict in the Sabana de Bogotá where it has already been displacing populations such as the native crab.
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Lately they have been widely observed in lakes and meadows of parks such as Simón Bolívar and El Tunal. In view of this situation, the Secretariat recommends that people avoid their direct manipulation, do not throw objects that could hurt them, do not catch them and do not provide them with food.
If you meet a crab of this type ????:
?? Avoid direct manipulation.
?? Do not throw objects that could hurt him.
?? Don’t take it.
?? Do not feed him.
?? Report it to the numbers 3174276828, 3183651787 or 3182154047.More info.???? https://t.co/kWaImSmzQA pic.twitter.com/qDS7oIExQu
– Secretary of the Environment ?? (@Ambientebogota) December 2, 2020
Nor hunt them for the consumption of their meat, under the false belief that they serve as revitalizers or sexual enhancers, since they represent a health risk, due to the presence of bacteria and microorganisms. This type of aphrodisiac drinks, known as arrechón and berraquillo, are sold mainly in market places and some street points.
“They have a lot of dietary protein, but you have to do a very strong treatment because they have very harmful batteries.“, said Blanca Durán, director of the District Institute of Recreation and Sports (IDRD).
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Given its uncontrolled proliferation, from the Ministry of the Environment A management protocol is being developed that seeks a resolution applicable throughout the city and, in this way, control that exotic species. One of the alternatives being studied is its hunting and then, from the processing of its meat, elaborate a concentrate to feed other species that are part of the ecosystem. On this matter, some studies have already been advanced.
This species of crab is a threat to the native crabs and fish of the Sabana de Bogotá. Photo: District Secretary for the Environment.
Additionally, together with the IDRD, the environmental authority is working to identify places of presence and alternatives for their management, within the framework of environmental regulations.
The authorities ask the community to report the presence of this specimen to the Secretary of the Environment, Through the telephone lines and WhatsApp 3174276828, 3183651787 and 3182154047 or the email [email protected]. Similarly, they point out that citizens can contact IDRD officials when they encounter the presence of this kind of crab in a metropolitan park administered by said entity.
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