Tasks

Aims at collating and standardizing data for each of the 6 target regions that will be used in subsequent tasks. We will collect different types of data: species distributions, Environmental variables, Genetic data and associated metadata, Species traits and Protected areas

Aims at complementing available genetic data to fill geographic and taxonomic sampling gaps. We will use tissue samples already collected in previous field missions to generate additional genetic data – mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) sequences. For selected species, identified in task 1, we will generate additional genetic data – mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) according to pre-existing data sets. Target genes for each species will be selected to match published studies and sequences already available in NCBI and BOLD, both mitochondrial and nuclear whenever possible.

The aim of this task is threefold. For each species we will: 1) infer intra-specific phylogenetic relationships; 2) access if they contain cryptic diversity i.e. more than one putative independently evolving lineages); and 3) map lineages when they exist.

This task aims at predicting the determinants of intraspecific genetic diversity and cryptic diversity across taxonomic groups and regions, and to predict which under-sampled species are cryptic. To accomplish this task, we will use two variables: nucleotide diversity within each species, and the existence or not of cryptic diversity (multiple lineages). Based on previous studies, we hypothesize that these two variables are determined by a set of evolutionary, geographic, environmental and functional traits.

This task aims to deepen understanding of how Intraspecific genetic diversity is distributed within species’ geographic ranges. We will test whether ISD declines from the center towards the periphery of the species’ range or from the species niche optimum towards marginal conditions. We hypothesize that populations near current optimal niche conditions will have the highest ISD. We will further test if these hypotheses hold for the 6 regions, given their different current ecological conditions and historic climatic oscillations.

For each candidate species, we will 1) quantify and map Intraspecific genetic diversity across its range; 2) describe the centrality and marginality gradients of the ecological niche and calculate ecological niche distances; 3) calculate the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between genetic diversity and ecological niche distances.

This task aims at defining priority areas for the conservation of multiple facets of ISD while accounting for multiple conflicting objectives and socio-economic constraints. We will develop an optimization method able to accommodate multiple objectives and multiple constraints. Specifically, we will examine the following objectives: a) maximizing the amount of area available for each lineage; b) maximizing coverage of areas with high genetic diversity; c) maximizing connectivity between populations.

This task aims at disseminating knowledge, data and tools produced through the project to achieve transformative change. PLACES’ outputs will be disseminated in a range of ways, directed both to the scientific community, graduate students, decision-makers and the general public. This task will contribute to society by building awareness and capacity of students and stakeholders.