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Conserving Genetics of Barred Galaxias

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Conserving genetics of Barred Galaxias Black Saturday, Victoria 2009 - Natural values fire recovery program - Project 14a Barred Galaxias — Galaxias fuscus Barred Galaxias is a small freshwater fish endemic to upper headwater streams of the Goulburn River catchment, Victoria. It has a yellow-orange body colour with up to ten black, vertical bars along the sides. They are relatively long-lived, have low fecundity and are slow growers. Barred Galaxias is listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and is also listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Barred Galaxias, Galaxias fuscus. Guarantee Act 1988. It has suffered severe Photo: Tarmo Raadik decline in range and abundance due to impacts including trout predation and competition, What is population genetics? bushfire and drought. Several populations are extinct and only eleven fragmented and isolated Population genetics is the study of the genetic diversity, populations are known to remain. gene dispersal and genetic composition of biological populations. Genetic diversity is one of three Barred Galaxias habitat from Lake Mountain to fundamental levels of biodiversity (genetic, species and Mt Disappointment was burnt during the 2009 ecosystem) and its conservation is important to the bushfires. This represents 50% of the known overall resilience and health of populations and species. range of the species and many populations in this area have been impacted by post-fire Understanding the population genetics of Barred sedimentation and habitat degradation. Galaxias is necessary to effectively manage, conserve and recover populations by identifying genetically Post-fire management of Barred Galaxias unique populations, informing monitoring programs, included translocation programs, research on and facilitating strategic translocation and captive their reproduction and trialling captive breeding. breeding programs. These actions are consistent with These projects highlighted the need to improve the species’ National Recovery Plan, the Victorian Flora our understanding of the species’ population and Fauna Guarantee Act Action Statement and the genetics. Actions for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) management system. Barred Galaxias habitat: (left to right) Torbrek River South Branch, Taggerty River and the Rubicon River. Photos: Peter Fairbrother This project is funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments’ ‘Rebuilding Together’ — Statewide Bushfire Recovery plan, launched in October 2009. Project Background The overall aim of this project is to gather baseline information on the genetics of Barred Galaxias populations to inform the conservation management of the species. The Arthur Rylah Institute conducted field surveys to collect fin-clip samples from Barred Galaxias individuals throughout their native range (associated with CfoC project GB02). cesar were contracted to develop genetic markers and conduct the genetic analysis. Microsatellite markers for Barred Galaxias were isolated and developed, and used to characterise their population genetic diversity and differentiation. The phylogeography of populations was analysed using sequence from a mitochondrial Electrofishing for Barred Galaxias in Robertsons Gully DNA marker. Photo: Simon Nicol Key Achievements . 774 Barred Galaxias fin clip samples were collected. 40 microsatellite markers were identified and trialled. Of these, 24 were characterised and 12 were selected for population genetic assessments of samples. 568 Barred Galaxias, collected from 28 locations, were genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci. Genetic variation within populations was extremely low, with some displaying no genetic variation between individuals. Genetic variation between populations was high, indicating limited gene flow over broad distances within and between river systems. 94 Barred Galaxias, collected from 26 locations, An example of the mitochondrial DNA sequence results were studied in the phylogeographic assessment. Image courtesy of cesar Twelve haplotypes were revealed, with most individuals belonging to two common ancestral haplotypes. Two major evolutionary clades were found. For more information, please contact: Populations in the Howqua, Upper Goulburn, Tarmo Raadik or Renae Ayres Torbreck and Yea River systems are spread across Phone: (03) 9450 8600 both clades. Populations in the Acheron River [email protected] System are exclusive to clade 1, whilst the [email protected] Rubicon, Taggerty and Delatite River system populations are exclusive to clade 2. Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment Melbourne, November 2011 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and This study provides a valuable spatial framework for Environment 2011. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. effective conservation management of Barred Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. Galaxias and a foundation for future population ISBN 978-1-74287-351-0 (online) genetic monitoring. The results will inform future For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186. translocation and captive breeding programs, with the aim of enhancing the genetic diversity of Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees populations whilst maintaining the species genetic do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate integrity. for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. www.dse.vic.gov.au .
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