Dispersal of aquatic organisms in karst landscapes

The project Dispersal of aquatic organisms in karst landscapes aims to investigate colonization patterns of aquatic organisms in the Balkan Peninsula. Most of the Balkan Peninsula is covered by karst: usually a limestone or dolomite landscape defined by specific features such as flutes, sinkholes, vertical shafts, intermittent/sinking streams and/or caves, produced by water that dissolves the soluble rocks. A special characteristic of karst is the complex aquatic network characterized by variable water conditions throughout the year and many underground water connections. Therefore, karst represents a special environment for the resident organisms, which are highly influenced by the unstable aquatic conditions. Previous studies on dispersal routes of aquatic organisms in the Balkan Peninsula came to opposing findings. While some concluded that karst landscapes act as isolating factors, others found evidence of subterranean migration through underground water links. However, all the findings were a kind of by-product of studies, actually investigating population genetics or biogeographical questions not one aimed especially at resolving the hypothesis of underground migration. In this project, the migration in karst landscapes will be exclusively assessed using classical methods combined with the most modern techniques, such as next generation sequencing-based population analysis and state-of-the-art environmental DNA tracking. The project aims to resolve the population structure of three very different groups of aquatic organisms (fishes, cave olm and isopod crustacean) and to compare it with findings in the hydrological literature to answer the question if any of them migrate underground. This international and interdisciplinary project will contribute valuable knowledge for biological disciplines such as biogeography and biodiversity in karst landscapes. Moreover, it will also crucially influence research areas such as karstology, hydrology and water management. Finally, the project will increase the understanding of the high degree of endemism and potential for natural recolonization of areas, where populations disappeared and therefore represent a very important basis for conservation genetic and conservation management studies in karst landscapes.

No additional funding sources recorded.