Integrating population genetics and species distribution modelling to guide conservation of the noble crayfish, Astacus astacus, in Croatia.

ABSTRACT: The noble crayfish, Astacus astacus, is an indigenous European freshwater species. Its populations show significant declines caused by anthropogenic pressure on its habitats, climate change and the spread of invasive species. Diminishing populations' trends and loss of genetic diversity highlight the need for effective conservation that will ensure their long-term survival. We combined population genetics and species distribution modelling (SDM) to reveal the impact of climate change and invasive species on the noble crayfish, and to guide future conservation programs of current populations. Our study showed that Croatian populations of A. astacus harbour an important part of species genetic diversity and represent significant genetic reservoir at the European level. The SDM results predic

SUBMITTER: Lovrencic L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8821615 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature