Conservation genomics of the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) using Next-Generation Sequencing methods.

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The proposed project focuses on the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), a small semi-aquatic mammal endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is a focal species of the European Habitats Directive and highly threatened by extinction. Any measures for its conservation require information on its genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure. A previous study conducted by the group of Jose Castresana at the Instituto de Biología Evolutiva CSIC-UPF (IBE) in Barcelona revealed four distinct genetic lineages in the Pyrenean desman. However, it also showed that its overall genetic diversity is very low, implying that traditional sequencing methods cannot provide sufficient resolution to allow conclusions on the conservation importance of these results. In this project hosted by the IBE, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods will be used to further investigate into the population genomics of the Pyrenean desman. These methods are not yet widely established in phylogenetics, phylogeography and conservation, but may yield highly informative data for questions in which traditional DNA sequencing cannot perform properly. The applicant has finished his PhD thesis in 2013 and, considering his career stage, has already ample research experience with 14 scientific papers, mainly in molecular phylogenetics. He will receive training in NGS techniques and bioinformatics, as well as in additional skills such as scientific writing and research management, which will be highly important in the development of his career as a researcher in systematic biology. The host group has crucial knowledge in the genetics of the Pyrenean desman, genomics and bioinformatics. The results of the project are expected to promote the expected career of the applicant as a researcher in Germany by acquiring essential skills and to be a crucial contribution to the conservation of this threatened species. They will also help increasing the public awareness for the importance of the conservation of endemic European species.