Distribution and vulnerability to climate change of the aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Canary Islands
This project focuses on the aquatic insect fauna of the Canary Islands archipelago, which is especially interesting for three reasons: 1) it is little known due to the lack of inventories and scientific studies; 2) includes a large number of endemisms; 3) presents a great vulnerability to hydric stress derived from climate change. The project has four specific objectives:
- Hydrologically characterize the main bodies of surface water
- Generate basic information on the taxonomic and genetic diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates
- Determine the vulnerability of species to global climate change
- Identify the priority zones for the conservation of the biodiversity of aquatic insects.
Thus, this project will serve to establish basic knowledge about the aquatic biodiversity of the Canary Islands, which includes a large number of endemic species, and to promote conservation strategies in anticipation of the effects of climate change.
