Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
Mathematics, Biology
Department
Mathematics
Major
Mathematics
Abstract
The red swamp crayfish is an invasive species introduced into several streams within the Santa Monica Mountains (SMM). Crayfish predation decimates native aquatic species. The Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) has worked to remove crayfish through regular trapping in Malibu Creek.
A prior student created a crayfish life cycle model with trapping, which we expand to better predict the efficacy of crayfish removal efforts in the SMM. We separate crayfish based upon life stages and sizes. We construct and parameterize this discrete crayfish population model with and without trapping. We use literature and crayfish removal data from MRT to fit the model to two regions of Malibu Creek. By numerically simulating crayfish population changes over time, we find that model dynamics are highly sensitive to cannibalism. We determine the best crayfish life stages to trap to most efficiently decrease crayfish population size.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Courtney Davis
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative, Summer Undergraduate Research in Biology
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
10-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:00 PM
How To Effectively Trap Invasive Crayfish: A Discrete Life Stage Mathematical Model
Waves Cafeteria
The red swamp crayfish is an invasive species introduced into several streams within the Santa Monica Mountains (SMM). Crayfish predation decimates native aquatic species. The Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) has worked to remove crayfish through regular trapping in Malibu Creek.
A prior student created a crayfish life cycle model with trapping, which we expand to better predict the efficacy of crayfish removal efforts in the SMM. We separate crayfish based upon life stages and sizes. We construct and parameterize this discrete crayfish population model with and without trapping. We use literature and crayfish removal data from MRT to fit the model to two regions of Malibu Creek. By numerically simulating crayfish population changes over time, we find that model dynamics are highly sensitive to cannibalism. We determine the best crayfish life stages to trap to most efficiently decrease crayfish population size.