Projects / Programmes
Primerjalna filogeografija kot podpora varstvu biodiverzitete jugovzhodne Evrope (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.01 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
Zoology and zoophysiology |
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
24375 |
PhD Elena Bužan |
Biology |
Head |
2009 - 2011 |
366 |
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
SE Europe lacks comprehensive biodiversity assessments at all levels which is causing serious limitations in defining conservation priorities and designing an effective network of protected sites. This applies to Slovenia as well as other countries in the region. At the European scale, this area is: (i) Europe’s top hot spot in biodiversity; (ii) Its biodiversity is the least known on the continent; (iii) As the main refugial area over the last two million years the SE Europe is rich in various types of refugia and environmental stability.
Phylogeographic reconstructions have the power to define glacial refugia as regions of pronounced environmental stability. Such areas are putatively most appropriate for a long-term conservation of biodiversity, and their importance is even more acute under the scenario of the expected global warming. The research project focuses on the comparative phylogeography as a supportive tool towards integrative biodiversity conservation of SE Europe.
Relevance for the development of science of the proposed research project is expected to be:
1. New scientific findings on the phylogeographic process and pattern in the Balkan glacial refugium. To assess glacial refugia for terrestrial mammals we studied phylogeographic structuring of two phylogenetically closely related, albeit ecologically very different arvicoline species. In terms of phylogeography, the larger debate pi
ts model of major refugia in Mediterranean peninsulas, including the Balkans, with post-glacial expansion from them, against a model of east-west faunal corridors. Evolutionary consequences of glacial cycles as forcing factors in speciation and the timing of origin of modern species also continue to be the topic of discussion and disagreement. While some studies suggest that the entire Pleistocene, including the last two glacial cycles, was important for speciation, others claim that speciation and extinction rates remained constant and that speciation events protracted over the past 5 Myr.
2. Information on phylogeography and genetic diversity will allow recognition of evolutionary significant units as indicators of cryptic refugia. New phylogeographic lineages might represent conservation significant units (CSU) on their own, but more importantly, they have a potential to identify main refugia for terrestrial biota in SE Europe. The recognition of hybridization is mostly important for species delimination.
Significance for the country
The project is of relevance for the promotion of Slovenia. Improved scientific knowledge on the phylogeography and biodiversity of the region is urgently needed as one of the pillars in developing conservation management.
Our project involves various contacts and collaborations with institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece and Albania. Based on the activities in the field of nature conservation UP ZRS gained considerable reputation in this region.
The indirect significance of this research proposal for Slovenia is also evident from the education of young scientists in the fields of biodiversity and conservation. Education is crucial for the development of innovation and the transfer of research findings into conservation management. The research project is creating opportunities for acquiring new findings, transferring new information into conservation practice and providing scientific grounds for sustainable biodiversity exploitation.
The project includes the transfer of knowledge; the findings are contributing to the accredited study programme Biodiversity at UP FAMNIT.
We also expect more intense international cooperation and equal partnership in research groups within the international research sphere, since the results already strengthen established collaboration contacts and provide opportunities for new ones.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
