Developing strategies for the protection of taxa consisting of interconnected sexual and parthenogenetic reproducing strains

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Scientific: a model for understanding gene-flow from bisexual populations of origin to parthenogenic pioneer populations will be developed, allowing analysis of resistance of such networks against genetic drift phenomena. For the first time, the relevance of stepping-stone habitats can be analysed in total because of the scarcity of potential populations of origin as well as stepping-stone habitats, the latter ones easy to be recognized by their peculiar characteristics (inland brackish water sites – scarce and, because of their former importance as a source of salt well documented). In addition, a model for unravelling the trigger for switching to parthenogenesis will be installed, allowing for basic molecular biology research. Societal/policy: By understanding the connectivity between the bisexual populations of origin and their parthenogenetic daughter populations the importance of keeping gene-flow between them will be quantified and, consequently, efficiency of conservation measures improved by identifying crucial stepping-stone habitats or, alternatively, direct measures to re-install genetic exchange. Developing multi-purpose management schemes for protected areas, allowing for protection of largely different species groups (in this case charophytes and birds) will increase acceptance and efficiency of protected areas. With respect to the target species of this proposal, the project will contribute to the requirements of the EU-Water Framework Directive by protection of a crucial element (habitat engineer) of healthy aquatic ecosystems, shown to be able to stabilize good environmental status of already deteriorated systems.