FAIRYSCAPE – Climate change in high latitude fairy shrimps: preventing extinction through landscape genomics and ecological niche modelling
The effect of climate change in the Arctic can be assessed by means of a very special inhabitant of freshwater ecosystems: the fairy shrimps. In Norway, two common species of fairy shrimps can be found living in ponds, Branchinecta paludosa and Polyartemia forcipata. These species are widespread across the latitudinal range and have been always adapted to cold temperatures. With climate change, we expect that southern and low-altitude areas will experience stronger temperature increases and changes in precipitation than northern areas, leading the populations to adapt to the new environmental conditions. In this project, we aim to identify the populations adapted to climate change and quantify the ongoing gene flow and evolutionary rescue occurring between these and non-adapted populations. If the gene flow between populations is scarce, we can use landscape genetics approaches to determine the environmental features that enhance the genetic connectivity across the landscape. Besides, we will be able to know the future distribution ranges of the species under incoming climate change scenarios and the migration success to reach these areas by using niche modelling predictions. With this project, we want to ensure the survival of Arctic fairy shrimp species by enhancing their chances of overcoming future climate change effects, and simultaneously, to improve the conservation management of freshwater ecosystems. SAVE THE FAIRIES!
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