The Microhabitat Quadrat Sampler - A 0.25-m(2) Quadrat Sampler for Microhabitat of Crayfishes

摘要

A 0.25-m(2) quadrat sampler was constructed to collect microhabitat data for the Nashville crayfish (Orconectes shoupi) in the Mill Creek watershed, Nashville, Tennessee. Studies of other crayfish species have used a 1.00-m(2) quadrat sampler; however, due to the requirement of precise measurement for microhabitat variables, we needed to enclose a smaller area. The 0.25-m(2) quadrat sampler increased chances of capturing Nashville crayfish at precise points where microhabitat variables could easily be measured. Our sampler was 89% efficient at capturing crayfish under shallow (< 0.50 m deep) water conditions present during 2007 and provided precise microhabitat information that will be useful for preserving and recovering this species.