This edition represents the second edition of the list of decapod crustaceans and the first edition of the list of all other crustacean groups, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine forms. The list has been greatly expanded to include more than 9,000 species from the United States (now including Hawaiian species) and Canada. Several detailed appendices have been added, including changes and additions to the entries for decapod crustaceans from the first edition and lists of endangered or threatened species, presumably extinct species, and nonindigenous species. The introduction is also expanded to include a detailed description of the diversity within the subphylum Crustacea.

This book introduces updated information on conservation issues, providing an overview of what is needed to advance the global conservation of freshwater decapods such as freshwater crabs, crayfish, and shrimps. Biodiversity loss in general is highest in organisms that depend on intact freshwater habitats, because freshwater ecosystems worldwide are suffering intense threats from multiple sources. Our understanding of the number and location of threatened species of decapods, and of the nature of their extinction threats has improved greatly in recent years, and has enabled the development of species conservation strategies. This volume focuses on saving threatened species from extinction, and emphasizes the importance of the successful implementation of conservation action plans through cooperation between scientists, conservationists, educators, funding agencies, policy makers, and conservation agencies.