The use of an unmanned aerial vehicle to investigate habitat use and behavior of invasive blue crab in Mediterranean microhabitats

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus has shown an immense capacity to adapt new habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. Followingthe numerous reports of its proliferation along western Sicily, investigation was conducted identify any existing populations. In August 2021, a population crabs found natural reserve Trapani which includes large area restored saltmarshes. this study, by developing tracking system using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), we studied (i) behavior on hourly scale, and (ii) weekly position saltmarshes determine substrate preference. This study provides approach better understand C. sapidus’ habitat use their potential impact local biodiversity. Blue activity increase with temperature tidal height, peak observed at high tide maximum temperatures: mean speed (m h-1) higher (12.1 ± 8.7 m T > 28 °C than = 23.7 (2.0 3.2 h-1). Considering use, 49 13 % cases, were sand, while 21 14 Cymodocea meadows, 30 15 Ruppia meadows. These microhabitats provide refuge for should be prioritized before management plans are designed implemented manage important invasive species.