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First insight into genetic structure of stone crayfish populations in Croatia revealed by microsatellite markers

The stone crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank, 1803), a freshwater crayfish species with intricate evolutionary history and high genetic diversity, is threatened due to anthropogenic pressure, climate change and spreading of invasive crayfish species and their pathogens. Maintenance of genetic diversity and the preservation of the integrity of a native species are one of pivotal conservation genetics goals. In order to develop appropriate conservation and management programs on the local and regional level, the aim of our study was to reveal the current population genetic structure of the endangered stone crayfish. We conducted a microsatellite analysis of 300 individuals from 15 sampling sites. Preliminary testing included 57 recently developed microsatellite markers. Ten out of 57 microsatellite loci were polymorphic and were used in further analyses. We also used seven additional, previously developed loci, cross- amplified on other Astacidae crayfish species. The obtained results enabled the identification of local genetic diversity hotspots, as well as definition of evolutionary significant and management units, which will be given priority in conservation programs.

Austropotamobius torrentium, conservation, genotyping, Southeast Europe, diversity

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