GENETIC ANALYSIS FOR CONSERVATION OF AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS ITALICUS POPULATIONS IN MARCHES REGION (CENTRAL ITALY)

The genetic characteristics of white-clawed crayfish populations in Marches Region (Central Italy) was investigated to plan conservation strategies. In order to clarify their taxonomic status, 50 specimens from ten populations were collected in six different hydrographic drainages of the Umbro-Marchigiano Appennine. The genetic relationships of the Austropotamobius italicus specimens were assessed using DNA sequences of the mitochondrial DNA 16S rRNA gene.The 3 distinct haplotypes M1, M2, M3 detected have been compared to those available in GenBank corresponding to four subspecies described for A. italicus. Our results confirmed the presence of both subspecies A. i. carsicus (M1 & M2) and A. i. meridionalis (M3) in Marches region. Two mixed populations with both subspecies have been characterized. These new data of the genetic structure of population will be used to plan management and recovery programs