Large effective size as determinant of population persistence in Anostraca (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)

Abstract

The fairy shrimp Branchinectella media, because of its passive dispersal capacity and scarce and irregularly distributed habitats (temporary saline aquatic systems), is an intriguing organism from a population genomics and conservation perspective. Stochasticity of dispersal events and the irregular distribution of its habitat might lead to low levels of population connectivity and genetic diversity, and consequently, populations with limited persistence through time. Indeed, by using genomic data (SNPs), we found a strong genetic structure among some of the geographically isolated Iberian populations of B. media. Interestingly, we also obtained high estimates of effective population sizes. Lack of suitable habitat between populations (absence of a “stepping stone” network) and strong genetic differentiation suggest limited dispersal success in B. media. However, the high effective population sizes observed ensure persistence of B. media populations against genetic stochasticity (genetic drift). These results indicate that rescue-effect might not be essential for population persistence if they maintain high effective population sizes able to hold adequate levels of genetic diversity. Should high population sizes be reported in other low dispersing Anostraca, one might be optimistic with regard to their conservation status and fate, provided that their natural habitats remain undisturbed.

Phylogeography of the Iberian endemic butterfly Erebia palarica Chapman, 1905 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): An integrative approach

“…Spatially informed methods (TESS) do detect the genetic link between Trevinca, Sanabria and Cantabrian sites (Figures 4, S4); yet, they seem to prioritise geographic proximity when providing their clustering results. We found this phenomenon in previous studies (Küpper et al, 2012;Sainz-Escudero et al, 2023), so future research should thoroughly evaluate this putative bias. Mantel tests and pairwise F ST give further support for the connection of Trevinca and Sanabria to the Cantabrian cluster; for instance, the highest Mantel's r value and associated R 2 were obtained when analysing these localities alone (r = 0.617, R 2 = 0.381).…”