Doomed before they are described? The need for conservation assessments of cryptic species complexes using an amblyopsid cavefish (Amblyopsidae: Typhlichthys) as a case study

Niemiller, Matthew L.; Graening, G. O.; Fenolio, Danté B.; Godwin, James C.; Cooley, James; Pearson, William D.; Fitzpatrick, Benjamin M.; Near, Thomas J.

doi:10.1007/s10531-013-0514-4

Cited by 60 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…In the past several decades systematic malacology has turned to various molecular methods to help distinguish species boundaries (e.g., molecular clades diagnosed by fixed life history traits and phenetic distances), but the coalescentbased models developed by the burgeoning field of statistical species delimitation have yet to be implemented (Fujita et al 2012;. Given the biological, economic, and political importance of accurately distinguishing species boundaries, statistical species delimitation methods are quickly becoming a fundamental research need, especially in regard to taxon-based conservation efforts (Niemiller et al 2013;Hedin 2015). We utilized two coalescent-based species validation methods, as well as several operational criteria for measuring lineage separation (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Generic reclassification and species boundaries in the rediscovered freshwater mussel ‘Quadrula’ mitchelli (Simpson in Dall, 1896)

et al. 2015

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The Central Texas endemic freshwater mussel, Quadrula mitchelli (Simpson in Dall, 1896), had been presumed extinct until relict populations were recently rediscovered. To help guide ongoing and future conservation efforts focused on Q. mitchelli we set out to resolve several uncertainties regarding its evolutionary history, specifically its unknown generic position and untested species boundaries. We designed a molecular matrix consisting of two loci (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and internal transcribed spacer I) and 57 terminal taxa to test the generic position of Q. mitchelli using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction. We also employed two Bayesian species validation methods to test five a priori species models (i.e. hypotheses of species delimitation). Our study is the first to test the generic position of Q. mitchelli and we found robust support for its inclusion in the genus Fusconaia. Accordingly, we introduce the binomial, Fusconaia mitchelli comb. nov., to accurately represent the systematic position of the species. We resolved F. mitchelli individuals in two well supported and divergent clades that were generally distinguished as distinct species using Bayesian species validation methods, although alternative hypotheses of species delineation were also supported. Despite strong evidence of genetic isolation within F. mitchelli, we do not advocate for species-level status of the two clades as they are allopatrically distributed and no morphological, behavioral, or ecological characters are known to distinguish them. These results are discussed in the context of the systematics, distribution, and conservation of F. mitchelli.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Generic reclassification and species boundaries in the rediscovered freshwater mussel ‘Quadrula’ mitchelli (Simpson in Dall, 1896)

et al. 2015

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“…Water quality should be regularly assessed at select sites to monitor for possible changes that might negatively impact populations. Recent molecular studies have discovered high levels of cryptic diversity within widely distributed stygobiotic morphospecies (Finston et al 2007;Zaksek et al 2009;Niemiller et al 2012;Eme et al 2013), which has important conservation and management implications (Niemiller et al 2013a). Phylogeographic and species delimitation studies should be a priority to ascertain if any of the three widely distributed species (B. brachycaudus, B. hubrichti, and B. muconatus) are actually comprised of multiple morphologically cryptic, genetically distinct lineages.…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biogeography and conservation assessment of Bactrurus groundwater amphipods (Crangonyctidae) in the central and eastern United States

Taylor¹,

Niemiller²

2016

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The subterranean amphipod genus Bactrurus (Amphipoda: Crangonyctidae) is comprised of eight species that occur in groundwater habitats in karst and glacial deposits of the central and eastern United States. We reexamine the distribution, biogeography, and conservation status of Bactrurus in light of new species distribution records and divergence time estimates in the genus from a recent molecular study. In particular, we discuss hypotheses regarding the distribution and dispersal of B. mucronatus and B. brachycaudus into previously glaciated regions of the Central Lowlands. We also conducted the first IUCN Red List conservation assessments and reassessed global NatureServe conservation ranks for each species. We identified 17 threats associated with increased extinction risk that vary in source, scope, and severity among species, with groundwater pollution being the most significant threat to all species. Our conservation assessments indicate that five of the eight species are at an elevated risk of extinction under IUCN Red List or NatureServe criteria, with one species (B. cellulanus) already extinct. However, none of the eight species are considered threatened or endangered by any state or federal agency. Significant knowledge gaps regarding the life history, ecology, and demography of each species exist. Given results of our conservation assessments and available information on threats to populations, we offer recommendations for conservation, management, and future research for each species.

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“…; Niemiller & Zigler ; Niemiller et al. ). Although the unique nature of cave ecosystems makes them interesting for examining the ecology and evolution of cave‐dwelling organisms, the restricted habitat and concomitant small population sizes result in an increased probability of extinction (Wilson ; Trajano & Bockmann ; Proudlove ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Population ecology and seasonal demography of the endangered grotto sculpin (Cottus specus)

Day

Gerken

Adams

2014

Ecology of Freshwater Fish

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Subterranean fishes are understudied worldwide and often at risk before their populations are discovered and described. The nature of karst systems limits the applicability of ecological paradigms and hinders our ability to identify and preserve endemic fauna. Aquatic karst taxa in particular are subject to environmental threats that increase in severity over time. Once a population or species is recognised as distinct, it is imperative we gain understanding of its biology to inform effective resource management and mitigate risk factors. The grotto sculpin (Cottus specus) is endemic to Perry County, Missouri, U.S. caves and was formally described and listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2013. We used mark–recapture methods to quantify population densities and estimate population sizes in two caves and two corresponding spring branches. Size structure varied among habitats and seasons. Spring branches were dominated by juveniles year‐round with peak young‐of‐year (YOY) densities in May. Adult densities in both macrohabitats decreased in winter, possibly due to recruitment or seasonal stress, and were lower at spring branches compared to caves and declined further during late winter which may be indicative of cave spawning. YOY were captured variably underground with peak densities in summer. The ecology of grotto sculpin appears to be more complex than has been reported previously for subterranean fishes. Variable patterns of demography requiring multiple contiguous habitats are unique for cave species and support the recently substantiated suggestion that subterranean systems are not as simple or disconnected as once thought.

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Doomed before they are described? The need for conservation assessments of cryptic species complexes using an amblyopsid cavefish (Amblyopsidae: Typhlichthys) as a case study

Cited by 60 publications

References 39 publications

Generic reclassification and species boundaries in the rediscovered freshwater mussel ‘Quadrula’ mitchelli (Simpson in Dall, 1896)

Generic reclassification and species boundaries in the rediscovered freshwater mussel ‘Quadrula’ mitchelli (Simpson in Dall, 1896)

Biogeography and conservation assessment of Bactrurus groundwater amphipods (Crangonyctidae) in the central and eastern United States

Population ecology and seasonal demography of the endangered grotto sculpin (Cottus specus)

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