Biodiversity loss by interspecific hybridization and invasive species

Current global climate change will impact rainfall regimes resulting in a reduction of river flow, especially in small tributaries and headwaters. As a consequence, freshwater organisms will have to respond by downstream population displacement leading to new interactions among population and species.

This research project aims at modelling the impact of anthropic modification on the genetic integrity of freshwater organisms and the evolutionary consequences. The fishes of the family Cyprinidae will be used as model organisms as they represent most of the fish biodiversity in European continental waters and because they are particularly subjected to interspecific hybridization.

The research will include the development of a simple model on two well studied species inhabiting the river Rhône and which display natural and viable hybrids (Rutilus rutilus X Abramis brama). This model will allow an assessment of the effects on the genetic diversity of the predicted increased of spatial and temporal overlap of the spawning period. Then, the influence of non-native invasive species that compete or hybridize with local species will be added to the model.