Conservation genetics of the vulnerable stone crayfish using DNA barcoding and microsatellites

The stone crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium is a native European freshwater species with significant population declines caused by anthropogenic pressure onto its habitats, climate change and spreading of non-native invasive their pathogens. Large-scale DNA barcoding based on sequencing short fragment the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI ) gene revealed this represents highly divergent taxon whose evolutionary heritage preserved in genetically mtDNA phylogroups, majority them having restricted distribution ranges. Guarding mind vanishing populations trends potential loss genetic diversity, effective conservation planning monitoring are needed for ensuring persistence long-term survival endangered species. Since data often critical defining management purposes, along barcoding, we employed microsatellites to examine samples more than 400 individuals from 17 across entire range Croatia, known as diversity hot spot. Microsatellite analyses high level differentiation among studied that grouped according geographical position phylogroup. Almost all sampled represent distinct cluster, showing reflecting long periods isolation. Results characterisation enabled selection suitable donor future restocking reintroduction programs. Combination provided good insight into structure well sound programs threatened Croatia.