DIRECTOR
RESEARCH TEAM
Anayansi Valderrama Cumbrera, Gustavo Hormiga Hernández, Ignacio Rivera Galán, Martín Ramírez, Michael Balke, Miguel Angel Arnedo Lombarte, Yves Basset.
COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS
DESCRIPTION
A small nucleotide sequence is used as a species identifier similar to the way barcodes are used in retail distribution. The technique facilitates analysis of a large number of samples, and allows findings to be rapidly disseminated and made available to the non specialist public.
This project aims to extend the use of DNA barcodes to the inventory and biodiversity measurement of megadiverse groups in tropical regions. It will centre its attention on three groups of arthropods of contrasting lifestyles (spiders, aquatic beetles and homoptera membracidae) in five districts of the Isthmus of Panama with differing geographical and ecological characteristics. Genetic barcodes will be obtained for 6000 specimens as a basis for a rapid species identification system, available to the public and usable by non specialists.
The database will incorporate additional biological data and will permit the continuous add-on of new data. This system will be used to inventory and estimate the specific richness, complementarity and evolutionary singularity of the selected areas. Characterising their biodiversity will help improve their protection and management and facilitate the sustainable development of Panama’s natural resources.
This project will increase our knowledge of neotropical biodiversity and the geological and environmental variables behind its distribution.