O1:
To assess genetic diversity and ecological requirements of the
idle crayfish populations
We aimed for this project to move
forward to next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches to evaluate
the genetic diversity and the relationship between populations with
molecular analysis based on genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
This method has the advantage of no requirement for genomic
resources background. Within this objective, we will extend the
approach of corroborating the population genetics with the species’
ecology, to address scientifically sound hypotheses in the field of
evolutionary aspects of this endemic crayfish species (e.g.,
allopatric speciation by isolation or spatial patterns driven purely
by recent environmental variables). Each of these approaches, taken
separately, would lead to results of significantly lower scientific
relevance.
O2:
To establish the conservation measures for idle crayfish
populations
Here we aims to find the best way
to sustain the long-term protection of A. bihariensis
populations. In this regard, identification of some ecologically
stabile sites, which exhibit the best quality of biological
populations with the lowest invasion risk, is targeted. Further
identification of these natural ark sites will guarantee a ‘bank of
specimens’ - highly valuable assets available for re-colonization in
the event of worst-case scenarios . Being a newly described species,
no conservation status is available yet for A. bihariensis.
Hence, according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ relevant
criteria, trends in population and the quality of habitat are
critical in establishing the appropriate status. Our plan is to
estimate population trends by using molecular data obtained in O1,
followed by specific analyses to assess the habitat fragmentation,
the pressure of invasive crayfish species and the carried pathogen
A. astaci, explored by applying distribution modelling
methods. To enhance detectability, the field distribution will be
investigated by both traditional and eDNA methods, reducing the
amount of false negative records.
Additionally, further goals
in the application supported by the existing resources, the project team will follow new research directions in the
field of genomics. The host institution make available 50% of
indirect costs to the decision of Project Leader to expand
the research.
