Description
Climate change is affecting impact and range of biological invasions, one of the major drivers of biodiversity changes. The objective of project ‘’WARION’ is generate significant new knowledge on the impact of climate change on the spread of invasive species joining forces Poland and Norway institutions. The main purpose is to create model of further expansion of A. vulgaris, infamous “Iberian slug”, to predict further spread of other invasive species with increase of environmental temperature. 8 researchers and 3 students from three institutions will be involved in conducting common research. This will reinforce partnership between the institutions. Project partners aim to achieve several publications in international peer-reviewed journals, anticipating at least one peer review scientific paper per working group during the project period. Project partners anticipate further collaboration by continuing to engage students that will be co-supervised and take steps to write new proposals within the EU funding system.
Summary of project results
Invasive species are regarded as a main threat to biodiversity and at the same time they are perfect model of evolutionary processes connected to species migration. Arion vulgaris is also species which cause severe economic losses. In our project we aimed to study its life history traits, together with its resistance to parasites. We collected samples of Arion species from different geographical localities in Europe. Despite of failure in culturing of A. rufus and A. ater, we were able to prove a great plasticity of A. vulgaris in its response to temperature, diet and infection with parasite. We studied genetic variability of Arion species across Europe, load of parasite with molecular taxonomy rules. We developed methods for measuring slugs respiration rate, activity of immunological system, response to different (proteins and carbohydrates) composition of diet, biochemical composition of the body tissues. We also applied methods for studying response to drought conditions, resistance to nematodes, behavioural differences between populations and species. Newly developed methodology as well as exchange between Norwegian and Polish Partners knowledge on methodology will allow in future to broaden scope of the research in all engaged institution. As we are still working together on papers, we can say that the process of cooperation and exchange of knowledge is in process.
Summary of bilateral results
The project involved scientist with different background that allow to show a whole spectrum of traits of studied species – from molecular, through individual to population level. We shared knowledge on Arion species morphology, anatomy, parasites which infect them. We learnt how to describe species and differentiate each stage of development. Together we planned experiments on physiological parameters such as respiration rate and activity of immunological system as well as how to measure behavioural response and resistance to parasite. On the basis of sampled animals we performed molecular analysis of Arion species and their parasite, which were then statistically elaborated to obtain phylogenetical relatedness of populations and their parasites. All above was not be possible without cooperation between Polish and Norwegian institutions. Thanks to previous cooperation of both, Polish and Norwegian Partners we were able to ask for advices and cooperation scientists form leading European scientific centres in Denmark, France, Germany and Spain.