The unseen invaders: tracking phylogeographic dynamics and genetic diversity of crypticPomacea canaliculata and P. maculata(Golden Apple Snails) across Taiwan

Abstract

AbstractThe cryptic invasion of golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata and P. maculata) in Taiwan has caused significant ecological and economical damage over last few decades, however, their management remains difficult due to inadequate taxonomic identification, complex phylogeny and limited population genetic information. We aim to understand the current distribution, putative population of origin, genetic diversity and potential path of cryptic invasion ofPomacea canaliculata and P. maculataacross Taiwan to aid in improved mitigation approaches. The present investigation conducted a nationwide survey with 254 samples collected from 41 locations from 14 counties or cities across Taiwan. We identifiedP. canaliculataandP. maculatabased on mitochondrial COI and compared their genetic diversity across Taiwan, as well as other introduced and native countries (based on publicly available COI data) to understand the possible paths of invasion in Taiwan. Based on mitochondrial COI barcoding, sympatric and heterogeneous distributions of invasiveP. canaliculataandP. maculatawere noted. Our haplotype analysis and mismatch distribution suggested multiple introductions ofP. canaliculatain Taiwan was likely originated directly from Argentina, whereasP. maculatawas probably introduced from a single, or a few, introduction event(s) from Argentina and Brazil. Our population genetic data further demonstrated a higher haplotype and genetic diversity forP. canaliculataandP. maculatain Taiwan compared to other introduced regions. Based on our current understanding, the establishment ofP. canaliculataandP. maculatais alarming and widespread beyond geopolitical borders, requiring a concerted and expedited national and international invasive species mitigation program.