2023-04-01 to 2026-03-31
Approx. 800 thsd. EUR
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Institute for Biosciences – Chair Aquatic Ecology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Department of Plant Biology and Ecology – Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Paterna, Spain
Parthenogenetic reproducing species, lacking at least part of the recombination mechanisms, are far more susceptible to loss of genetic diversity than sexual reproducing ones. Investigating the role of sexual ancestor populations for maintaining genetic diversity and, consequently, the acclimation potential of parthenogenetic populations, will enable for optimised conservation strategies of such species.
In this project, the knowledge required for designing transnational conservation strategies will be gathered and, basing on this, a network securing sustainable protection of a species consisting of extremely rare bisexual and frequent parthenogenetic populations will be established.
Development of the first transnational protection plan for parthenogens, consisting of recommendations for the management of sites as well as for exchange of information between the network partners by gathering and analysing site-specific and regional information about status, legal aspects and management options as well as the population genetic knowledge required.
Identification of former and recent inland brackish water sites suitable for sexual as well as parthenogenetic reproducing populations of Chara canescens as an example of a species colonizing by parthenogens; gaining knowledge about their recent as well as former genetic diversity; evaluation of their potential to support the genetic diversity of the recent parthenogenetic populations at the European coastline.
These data will serve a sound scientific knowledge basis for the final target, which is the development of management schemes for inland brackish water sites, acknowledging the requirements of C. canescens, being embedded in a transnational network of sites bearing sexual populations and focusing on maintaining an effective gene flow.