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Aquatic insect conservation: a molecular genetic approach

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Abstract

Ecosystem diversity, species richness and genetic diversity are the three major facets of biodiversity which deserve equal attention for conservation. However, genetic diversity is significant in identification of unique populations for conservation purpose. Aspects of DNA barcoding, loss of genetic diversity in cryptic species and examples of molecular phylogenetic and molecular phylogeographic studies on aquatic insects of headwaters from major biogeographic realms are briefly reviewed in the light of prioritization of taxa and habitats for conservation. Special emphasis is laid on identification of evolutionary significant units for effective conservation in the context of global climate change. Current methodologies for identifying potential loss of intraspecific genetic diversity are also highlighted with suggestions on future research priorities.

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Acknowledgments

K. G. Sivaramakrishnan is grateful to University Grants Commission, India for the award of Emeritus Fellowship [No.F.6-39/2011 (SA-II)] to him to execute his work in Madras Christian College (Autonomous) with the patronage and support of Dr. Alexander Jesudasan, Principal and Dr. Arul Samraj, Head, Department of Zoology. C. Selvakumar thanks UGC, New Delhi, India for award of Dr. D. S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowship [No.F.4-2/2006 (BSR)/13-670/2012(BSR)]. Authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewer for critical inputs which have substantially improved the quality of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Tambaram East, Chennai, 600059, India

    K. G. Sivaramakrishnan

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600025, India

    S. Janarthanan, C. Selvakumar & M. Arumugam

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  1. K. G. Sivaramakrishnan
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  2. S. Janarthanan
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  3. C. Selvakumar
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  4. M. Arumugam
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Correspondence to K. G. Sivaramakrishnan.

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Sivaramakrishnan, K.G., Janarthanan, S., Selvakumar, C. et al. Aquatic insect conservation: a molecular genetic approach. Conservation Genet Resour 6, 849–855 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-014-0250-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-014-0250-4

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