Genetic characterisation of the Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi): Implications in the management and conservation of the species.

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Main researcher: Emilio Valbuena Ureña

Institution: Centre de Recuperació de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa / Universitat Autònioma de Barcelona

Description:
The Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi) is the only example of endemic vertebrate in Catalonia, the only endemic urodele in Spain and one of the amphibians with the smallest areas of distribution in the whole of Europe.

A key aspect in the conservation strategy of the species lies in its genetic characterisation in order to achieve one of the basic aims of any conservation programme, namely the maintenance of the maximum genetic variability possible. This study falls within this scenario, whereby the aim is to achieve the following aims through the development of a minimum of 15 variable micro-satellite loci:

• Determine the populational structure and degree of fragmentation between the two populational nuclei and the populations within each nucleus.

• Analyse whether the individuals in captivity are representative of the variability of the species and, if they are not, genetically strengthen the gene pool.

• Assess the implications of the results obtained on the conservation and management of the species.

The results of this study will enable us to assess the viability of the different populations and to deduce the way of maintaining the maximum genetic variability possible, which are essential in drafting a good recovery plan for the species. These results will be of vital importance in the correct handling of its populations, i.e. to design a solid ex situ conservation programme.

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