Genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered insect species Carabus variolosus in its western distribution range: Implications for conservation

摘要: Genetic variation was assessed in the endangered species C. variolosus (Coleoptera: Carabidae), which is listed European Habitats and Species Directive. Twelve populations from north-western margin of its range Germany France to border region between Slovenia Croatia were investigated for at 16 allozyme loci. In general, genetic diversity rather low as indicated by a mean allelic richness 1.3 alleles per locus, gene (H E ) 0.071 proportion polymorphic loci (P 95% 16%. did not change directionally towards core range. Very high differentiation (overall F ST  = 0.465), results Mantel test, poor accordance geographical distance suggest degree isolation island-like distributed populations. High values measures, even geographically close within same drainage, confirm very dispersal power this habitat specialist headwater areas swamps woodlands, comparison with other flightless beetles. It concluded that majority are demographically independent. Hierarchical F-statistics indicate almost half variance found regions Therefore, we recommend conservation efforts consider every population management unit aim maintain many possible over possible.