Speaker
Description
Genetic diversity is an important level of biodiversity whose protection is essential in the face
of climate change. It is therefore necessary to understand how genetic diversity can be most
effectively protected and what causes it. The aim of this study is to determine which of the 23
anthropogenic and environmental variables has the greatest influence on the genetic diversity
of amphibians in East Africa, where hotspots of genetic diversity are located and whether these
are sufficiently protected. The following research questions are posed:
1. Which of 23 anthropogenic and environmental variables analysed have the greatest
influence on the genetic diversity of amphibians in East Africa?
2. Where are hotspots of genetic diversity located?
3. How effectively do protected areas capture this genetic diversity across species?
Model- and map-based analyses of the relationships between the investigated variables and
interpolations of genetic diversity are used to answer the questions. In addition, evaluated
hotspots are compared with existing protected areas to determine whether they are sufficiently
protected. The results showed species-specific responses of genetic diversity to the influence
of focal variables. Hotspots are predominantly located in mountainous regions with original
forest cover, while large cities show particularly low values. The genetic diversity of all species
analysed is insufficiently covered by existing protected areas. Small-scale analyses of the
effects of variables with more data, as well as studies and comparisons of amphibian-specific
traits, would be recommended to understand the conditions and complex processes of genetic
diversity.
| Status Group | Master Student |
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