Population genetic structure of endemic fish species facilitating their
survival in changing environments -- a case study on the genus Telestes
in Croatia
- Ivana Buj,
- Zoran Marčić,
- Elena Flauder,
- Marko Ćaleta,
- Radek Šanda,
- Jasna Vukić
Marko Ćaleta
University of Zagreb Faculty of Teacher Education
Author ProfileAbstract
he genus Telestes comprises primarily freshwater fishes distributed
mostly in the Mediterranean area. Recent investigation of the
evolutionary history of this genus revealed that it originated in
southern Europe, where the most ancient Telestes species are still
present. Isolation of rivers in the karstic region facilitated
allopatric speciation resulting in a high number of Telestes species and
a great portion of endemics in freshwaters of Croatia and Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Most of the endemic Telestes species have very small
distribution areas, inhabiting a single river or few water bodies in a
single karstic field, making them extremely vulnerable to all
anthropogenic changes. In order to contribute to practical conservation
of the endemic Telestes species through design of conservational
measures that are likely to be the most effective in ensuring future
viability and undisturbed evolutionary course of those species, we have
investigated their population genetic structure and estimated their
viabilities. Population viability analyses were carried out based on the
current state of populations and their habitats, as well as recognized
threats. Several scenarios included also potential threats. Our results
show that invasive species pose the most dangerous threats to the future
survival of the endemic Telestes species. Contrary to previous opinions
that a reduced genetic diversity is characteristic for small
populations, high intraspecific genetic diversity was revealed inside
most of the investigated species, which might enable most of the
populations to cope with future changes and mitigate negative effects.