engleski

Integrative approach to conservation of the stone crayfish

The stone crayfish is a native European freshwater species endangered due to anthropogenic pressure on its habitats, invasive alien crayfish species and climate change. Our aims were to assess its genetic diversity in Croatia using molecular phylogenetics and population genetics, and to reveal the impact of climate changes on its diversity using species distribution modelling (SDM). Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed the existence of high genetic diversity, maintained in seven geographically and genetically isolated mtDNA lineages which present distinct Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs). Population genetic analyses based on microsatellites revealed moderate within-population genetic diversity and isolated populations with limited gene flow. Besides strong genetic structuring concordant with established ESUs, we discovered high level of inbreeding within the majority of populations. The SDM results predicted substantial decrease of suitable habitats for stone crayfish by 2070 ; 80% of its currently suitable habitats are predicted to be lost under high-warming climate change scenario. Moreover, 44% of investigated populations with high and/or unique genetic diversity are located in areas predicted to become unsuitable, thus having a high probability of extinction in the future. Considering ongoing climate change predictions, prompt actions including assisted migration and repopulation should take place in order to preserve the existing diversity of this endangered species.

Austropotamobius torrentium, Evolutionary Significant Units, Species distribution modelling, climate change

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