Phylogeographic structure of Austropotamobius pallipes populations in Switzerland

Abstract

Due to the wide-spread occurrence of Austropotamobius pallipes in different drainage systems of Europe, a phylogeographic structuring reflecting these subdivisions can be hypothesized. Five major drainage systems take their origin in the alpine region, i.e. Rhine, Rhone, Pô, Adige and Danube. We have analysed population samples of A. pallipes from Switzerland, France and Italy that represent four of these drainages. The methods employed were enzyme electrophoresis and morphological analysis. Our findings are discussed in the light of the present knowledge on intraspecific taxonomy of A. pallipes, and we point out the implications for the conservation of genetic diversity of this species.