Freshwater Koura ( Crayfish)
1.1What is the Origin and life cycle of Koura
The Origin and Whakapapa of Crayfish, Crayfish diverging from Australian 60 – 109 million years ago and Koura breakup of Gondwanaland and The two species we have in New Zealand is (Paranephrops plainfrons) – Scientific name of Crayfish ( North Island/Northern South Island) and Paranephrops Zealandicus ( Eastern South Islands).
1.2 Explain the significance of Tikanga Maori associated with selected Native Freshwater Shellfish.
The Significance of Crayfish ( Koura) to Maori Tikanga regarding Crayfish is the centred on Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga and Mauri of the Waterway remains Intact . And The act of Gathering Crayfish from our Moana is a core part of Mahinga Kai ( Traditional food gathering).
1.3 Describe the Importance of the Crayfish to a local Maori Iwi?
How Koura is Important to local Maori Iwi, For many Te Arawa and Ngati Tuwharetoa, Koura are a cornerstone of Their Community, Identity, Economy and Environment.
1.4 Describe the environment of the selected native freshwater ShellFish species in terms of its physical Characteristics
Freshwater Crayfish are highly adaptable but have specific physical requirements of our Environment and defined by cleaning our waterways , Complex cover and stabling Temperatures. Koura prefer to clean oxygenated water; they can survive in slightly murky conditions; high levels of it can smother crevices they live in and damage their gills.
1.5 Describe the behavioral, feeding and territorial characteristics of the selected native Shellfish species that enables it to survive in its own habitat.
The Crayfish thrive in freshwater ecosystems through a combination of Nocturnal and Non- Nocturnal feeding and Crayfish has a highly adapted shelter seeking behaviours in their environment habitat and ranging from fast- flowing streams to muddy swamps – is due by surviving dry periods and adding Chemical.
1.6 Explain the position of the selected native freshwater Shell species in the food chain with other marine species
In Aotearoa our Freshwater Crayfish and the marine Rock Lobster occupy similar cleanup roles in our freshwater but they have distinct predator – prey relationships with other freshwater Marine species. Koura are a Keystone species that maintain our freshwater health, Streams and Lakes.
1.7 Describe one Significant relationship with another fish or plant species and the nature and contribution of that relationship to its own Survival.
The Crayfish relies heavily on the roots system and decaying materials of Raupo for Its Primary survival Strategy. Crayfish tangle underwater roots system of raupo create a complex habitat critical for juvenile koura and adults that have just moulted and Koura are soft- bodied and highly vulnerable to predators like eels and trout.
- Freshwater Crayfish
