RIVER CRAYFISH AS CUSTODIANS OF WATER RESOURCES AND BIOINDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY IN CENTRAL ASIA
Keywords:
crayfish, bioindicators, water quality, freshwater ecosystems, Central Asia, environmental monitoring, water pollution, environmental sanitation.Abstract
River crayfish play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems as natural "sanitarians," feeding on detritus, dead organic matter, and small aquatic organisms, thereby contributing to the self-purification of water bodies. In Central Asia, where aquatic ecosystems face increasing anthropogenic pressure and pollution, crayfish also serve as effective bioindicators of water quality due to their high sensitivity to changes in chemical composition and the presence of contaminants. This review examines the ecological functions of river crayfish in the water bodies of Central Asia, discusses their distribution and species diversity in the region, and highlights their potential in biomonitoring programs for the early detection of environmental degradation. The conservation and sustainable management of crayfish populations are vital for maintaining the health and stability of Central Asia's freshwater ecosystems.
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