Spatial distribution of red-swamp crayfish procambarus clarkii (girard, 1852) in wetland ramsar sites in Morocco

RAMSAR sites are a wetlands that have specific criteria, internationally recognized, and very important not only in the countries where they are located but for all humanity. Recently, the introduction of a species of crayfish classified as invasive in Morocco: Procambarus clarkii has created a debate among the local population, wetland conservators, wetland conservation NGOs, farmers and fishermen at regional and even national level, this study was essential to answer some questions and to enrich scientifically this discussion. The notion of presence/absence of Procambarus clarkii and its dispersal has been monitored in Ramsar wetland sites in Morocco for 4 years. The main objectives of this present study are to understand how this species was introduced in the wetlands Ramsar site of Morocco, identify the points of presence and absence of this species, and establish a presence map. The study showed that everywhere it appear Procambarus clarkii in Morocco is resistant to different living conditions, and easily colonizes various habitats. The results support the hypothesis of illegal intentional introduction, and a rapid colonization upstream and downstream with high speed.