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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 61(9)

Distribution and population genetics of the threatened freshwater crayfish genus Tenuibranchiurus (Decapoda : Parastacidae)

Kathryn L. Dawkins A D , James M. Furse B , Clyde H. Wild B and Jane M. Hughes C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4222, Australia.

B Environmental Futures Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4222, Australia.

C Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: k.dawkins@griffith.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 61(9) 1048-1055 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF09294
Submitted: 19 November 2009  Accepted: 30 March 2010   Published: 23 September 2010

Abstract

Very high rates of extinction are recorded in freshwater ecosystems, with coastally distributed species threatened by urban development, pollution and climate change. One example, the world’s second smallest freshwater crayfish (genus Tenuibranchiurus), inhabits coastal swamps in central-eastern Australia. Although only one species is described (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus), it was expected that populations isolated through habitat fragmentation would be highly divergent. The aims of this study were to determine if populations of Tenuibranchiurus are genetically distinct, and if ancient divergence, as indicated in other species in the region, was evident. Tenuibranchiurus were collected at seven sites, extending the known geographical distribution ∼260 km south to Wooli, New South Wales. Analysis of two mitochondrial DNA gene regions indicated two highly divergent clades, with numerous additional subclades. Both clades and subclades were strongly congruent with geographical location, and were estimated to have diverged from each other during the Miocene or Pliocene era. Little sharing of haplotypes between subpopulations was evident, indicating negligible gene flow, and genetic differentiation between subclades possibly indicates distinct species. The coastal distribution of Tenuibranchiurus, severe habitat fragmentation and clear differences between subclades suggest that they should be recognised as evolutionarily significant units, and be treated as such if conservation and management initiatives are warranted.


Acknowledgements

This study was conducted as a major part of a B.Sc. (Hons) by Kathryn Dawkins under the supervision of James Furse, Professor Jane Hughes and Professor Clyde Wild. Funding for this study was provided by both the Australian Rivers Institute and the Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University. Additional funding for genetic analysis was also provided by Rob McCormack and his company ‘AABio’ and was greatly appreciated. The authors would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the associate editor for their helpful comments, Michael Arthur for statistical guidance and Rob McCormack, Jason Coughran and many other volunteers for field assistance. Crayfish were collected under NSW Scientific Collection Permit P05/0077-3.1 and Qld General Fisheries Permit #91210.


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