Predicting the effects of manual crayfish removal on California newt persistence in Santa Monica Mountain streams

- Invasive crayfish are decimating native newt populations in California streams.
- We construct a hybrid mathematical model of newt and crayfish population dynamics.
- No simulations predict long-term coexistence of local newt and crayfish populations.
- We propose crayfish trapping regimes that best prevent or prolong newt extinctions.
- Even intermittent or short-term crayfish trapping can delay newt extinctions.

We construct a hybrid, stage-structured mathematical model to study whether trapping of the invasive predatory crayfish Procambarus clarkii can prevent local extinctions of the California newt (Taricha torosa), a species of special concern native to Santa Monica Mountain streams. Specifically, we numerically and analytically determine under what conditions trapping can drive the crayfish population size to zero. We observe the persistence or the time to extinction for newt populations under corresponding trapping scenarios. No simulations allow for long-term coexistence of newts and crayfish, although multiple scenarios delay newt extinction by several years in the presence of crayfish. We predict that crayfish extinction and newt persistence become more likely as the quantity of trapping resources, frequency of trapping implementation, and susceptibility of the crayfish population to trapping increases. We quantify the effectiveness of different crayfish trapping regimes at delaying the time until the newt population goes extinct. Predictions made with our model inform restorative efforts and crayfish management.