Peru’s marine-coastal decapods (Crustacea): Effectiveness of PNAs and challenges for their protection

Abstract

Peru has 360 species of marine-coastal decapod crustaceans. Using its distribution in Protected Natural Areas (PNAs) and its presence in the list of endangered species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we found that 215 species (60%) were registered in at least one of the seven PNAs of the Peruvian coast (the Guano Islands, Islets and Capes National Reserve System - RNSIIPG presented the highest number with 89 species); on the other hand, only nine species were found within the IUCN platform, classified as “least concern” and “deficient data”. This work highlights the efficiency of reserves such as the RNSIIPG to protect this taxon and the need to better understand its populations to improve their protection.