The isolated <i>Erebia pandrose</i> Apennine population is genetically unique and endangered by climate change

Climate change is causing shifts in the distribution of many species and populations inhabiting mountain tops are particularly vulnerable to these threats because they constrained altitudinal shifts. Apennines a relatively narrow low chain located Southern Europe, which hosts isolated species. The butterfly Erebia pandrose was recorded for last time 1977, on top single massif (Monti della Laga). We confirmed presence small, population E. Apennines, at distance more than 400 km any other known populations. Then, we examined cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial DNA marker this across Palaearctic area estimated potential decline over Alps due future climatic changes. Apennine represents an endemic lineage characterised by eight mutations 658 bp analysed (1.2%). In has shifted uphill 3 m per year since end 19th century 22 1995. Species models suggested that will experience generalised loss suitability, which, according our projections, could lead extinction few decades. become flagship advertising risk losing unique fractions genetic diversity