Plenary Speakers
Advances in Afrotropical Freshwater Crab Systematics and Future Research Directions
Current knowledge of the biology, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, biogeography, conservation, and medical importance of Afrotropical freshwater crabs is reviewed. These crabs dominate tropical freshwater ecosystems, from major rivers to small mountain streams, including wetlands, caves, and phytotelmata. Their unusual life cycle involving direct development limits dispersal and contributes to their high levels of speciation and regional endemism. The recent spike in species discovery of this once overlooked group is the result of enhanced field surveys, renewed museum collection audits, and cryptic species delimitation. Currently there are more than 225 described species assigned to three families: Potamonautidae, Deckeniidae, and Potamidae. The new data have driven advances in molecular phylogenetics and morphological re-evaluation, with the result that the systematics of Afrotropical freshwater crabs has evolved from morphology-based descriptions to integrative taxonomic approaches. Systematists have used these integrative approaches to test hypotheses about freshwater crab origins, biogeography, and evolutionary relationships. As a result, higher-level classifications have been revised, new taxa recognized, more reliable identification keys have been provided and accurate distribution maps produced. The extinction risk assessments of conservationists have revealed high numbers of threatened species, and parasitologists have highlighted the significant medical importance of freshwater crabs in parts of Africa. Future directions include resolving deep-level relationships within the Afrotropical families using upscaled genomics, correlation of crab diversification with historical paleodrainage patterns, increased ecological and physiological research to predict species responses to climate warming and habitat alteration, and increased conservation efforts that focus on threatened and Data Deficient species.
Unlocking biodiversity data for decisions: Two decades of research shaping ocean assessment, planning and protection
This presentation shares the science and stories of two biodiversity scientists working from the foundations of biodiversity science to research that supports species and ecosystem management and protection. Using marine crustacean examples, we share highlights from taxonomy, distribution data, resource assessment and ecology, drawing from trawl, remotely operated vehicle, tow camera and other surveys. The contributions from industry collaborations, indigenous knowledge and citizen science are also showcased, demonstrating the value of participatory research in building biodiversity foundations. Foundational data feeds into assessments of biodiversity and ideally this should span species, genes and ecosystems. Such assessments rely on robust classification, not just for species but also ecosystem types with data driven ecosystem maps dependent on quantitative data for species and assemblage distribution to enable assessment of ecosystem threat status and protection level. Species Redlisting using IUCN criteria also provides important information on status that is distinct from stock status and is useful for consumer awareness, environmental impact assessment and spatial planning, We share South Africa’s approach in reporting on the status of marine biodiversity and then translating findings into priority actions and priority areas, identified from systematic biodiversity planning. Critical Biodiversity Areas are part of these planning outputs and should inform decision making. We also share advances in updating South Africa’s Marine CBA Map and progress in protecting the many Indian and Atlantic ecosystem types along with their crustacean assemblages. Finally we share key lessons in unlocking biodiversity data and moving this along the biodiversity knowledge chain to make a difference.
