Conservation phylogenetics of Chilean freshwater crabs Aegla (Anomura, Aeglidae): assigning priorities for aquatic habitat protection Original Research Article

Recently, a molecular phylogeny based on four mtDNA gene regions has been estimated for 17 species and subspecies of Aegla freshwater crabs from Chile. With this phylogenetic hypothesis and information on geographic distribution, environmental conditions, habitat requirements, and population abundance, Chilean aeglids were assessed for conservation status based on the criteria included in the IUCN Red List Categories (2001). Aegla concepcionensis and Aegla expansa qualify as “Extinct in the Wild” and nine other taxa fall within the threatened category: three as “Critically Endangered” (A. laevis laevis, A. papudo and A. spectabilis) and six as “Vulnerable” (A. alacalufi, A. bahamondei, A. cholchol, A. hueicollensis, A. laevis talcahuano and A. manni). Six hydrographic regions within temperate Chile were ranked for conservation priority using species richness, and phylogenetic and genetic diversity indices. The hydrographic region made up of the Tucapel, Imperial, and Toltén Basins was found to rank highest in terms of conservation priorities. Conservation of this region and the regions ranging between the Aconcagua and Mataquito Basins, and the Valdivia and Maullín Basins, would preserve almost all the Aegla diversity present in Chile.