ROO1: 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 extended 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 aimed to find the best way to sustain the long-term protection of A. bihariensis populations. Identification of ecologically stable 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, the host institution makes available 50% of indirect costs to the decision of the Project Leader to expand the research into new directions in the field of genomics.
Schedule
Stage 1 — Genetic diversity & ecological requirements of idle crayfish populations (Part I) · 2021
| Year | Activity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Act 1.1 — Genetics (Part I) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2021 | Act 1.2 — Ecology (Part I) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2021 | Act 1.3 — Dissemination of results | finished |
Stage 2 — Genetic diversity & ecological requirements (Part II) + Conservation measures (Part I) · 2022
| Year | Activity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Act 2.1 — Genetics (Part II) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2022 | Act 2.2 — Ecology (Part II) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2022 | Act 2.3 — Population fragmentation analysis (Part I) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2022 | Act 2.4 — Invasion risk assessment (Part I) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2022 | Act 2.5 — Dissemination of results | finished |
Stage 3 — Conservation measures for idle crayfish populations (Part II) · 2023
| Year | Activity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Act 3.1 — Population fragmentation analysis (Part II) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2023 | Act 3.2 — Invasion risk assessment (Part II) | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2023 | Act 3.3 — Designation of conservation sites | finished manuscript accepted |
| 2023 | Act 3.4 — Dissemination of results | finished |
| 2023 | Act 3.5 — Final audit and reporting | finished |