miller-criticallylowlevels-2014.pdf (1.18 MB)
Critically low levels of genetic diversity in fragmented populations of the endangered Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish Euastacus bispinosus
journal contribution
posted on 2014-01-01, 00:00 authored by Adam Miller, O F Sweeney, N S Whiterod, A R Van Rooyen, M Hammer, A R WeeksThe Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish Euastacus bispinosus is a large endangered freshwater invertebrate of southeastern Australia that has suffered major population declines over the last century. Disjunct populations in the state of South Australia are in a particularly critical condition, restricted to a few isolated rising-spring habitats and in an ongoing state of decline. We assessed genetic diversity and gene flow within E. bispinosus across its current range using allele frequencies from 11 nuclear microsatellite loci and DNA sequence data from a single mitochon -drial locus (cytochrome oxidase subunit I). Populations were characterized by low levels of genetic diversity and found to be highly structured, with gene flow restricted both within and across catchments, highlighting the species' vulnerability to further habitat fragmentation and the importance of managing environmental threats on local scales across its current natural range. South Australian populations were characterized by critically low levels of genetic diversity generally, highlighting their potential vulnerability to localized extinction. Holistic conservation efforts are necessary to conserve populations, including local habitat management and, potentially, translocations to increase genetic diversity and evolutionary potential, and reduce possible inbreeding effects and the threat of extinction.
History
Journal
Endangered species researchVolume
25Issue
1Pagination
43 - 55Publisher
Inter-ResearchLocation
Oldendorf, GermanyPublisher DOI
Link to full text
ISSN
1863-5407eISSN
1613-4796Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2014, Inter-ResearchUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
population geneticsgene flowgenetic diversityspecies conservationhabitat protection\/restorationtranslocationinbreedingScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineBiodiversity ConservationBiodiversity & ConservationCONSERVATION STATUSCOMPUTER-PROGRAMALLELE FREQUENCYTHREATENING PROCESSESPARASTACIDAEDECAPODAINFERENCECRUSTACEAPATTERNSDNA
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