Population genetics and conservation of recently discovered springsnails in Arizona

Establishing baseline geographical distributions of extant genetic diversity is increasingly important for future conservation efforts of freshwater species. We analyse the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to taxonomically characterize 233 samples from recently discovered springsnail populations throughout 17 sites in Arizona, USA. A total of 28 unique COI haplotypes were recovered, with the number of haplotypes ranging from 1 to 4 by population in Arizona. Phylogenetic analyses resulted in haplotypes from 13 of 17 locations in Arizona being successfully identified to species, with five described and three undescribed species in the genus Pyrgulopsis (Hydrobiidae). Future work will require in-depth morphological work to clarify the taxonomic status of these putatively novel species. Importantly, among recovered species, we identified haplotype diversity of the critically endangered Three Forks springsnail, Pyrgulopsis trivialis, in the eastern Gila watershed, which will inform wildlife managers in deciding which source populations to use in reintroduction efforts. We discuss possible causes for observed population structure of Arizona's springsnail populations, with suggestions for the future sampling schemes necessary for the conservation of this uniquely important freshwater mollusc.