Habitat determinants and predatory interactions of the endemic freshwater crayfish (koura, Paranephrops planifrons) in the lower North Island, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

A study in the Lower North Island located Parenephrops planifrons (koura) at 73 sites out of 104 sites visited (appendix 1). There was a significant difference in habitat variables between the sites which had koura present and those where they were absent. Examples of sites are shown in Appendix 3. Habitat variables important for classifying koura habitat included riparian cover, predators, winter equilibrium temperature and presence of in-stream habitat in the form of vegetation, litter cover and the stream sequence composition. Regression trees built could accurately describe the data but the kappa statistic was low.