Distribution and genetic diversity of Ranunculus fluitans

 

Ranunculus fluitans

Project code 

QU08-04

Contact

Dr. Neil Reid

Project staff

Dr. Jane Preston & Dr Caroline Bradley

Supervisor(s)

Dr. Jim Provan

Client

NIEA

Funding

NHRP

Client Officer(s)

Tony Waterman & Mark Wright

Start date

01/08/2008

End date

30/06/2009

 

This Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP) project focuses on River Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus fluitans) which is widespread across western, central and eastern Europe. In Great Britain it is relatively common in northern and central England inhabiting swift-flowing water. It also occurs in isolated areas in southern England, Wales and the Scottish borders. However, in Ireland the species is restricted to only one stretch of the Six Mile Water, Co. Antrim. Recent CEDaR records (1987-2000) suggest that the species is restricted to just two 10km grid squares along a 12km stretch of the river between Templepatrick and Antrim.

 

Ranunculus fluitans range in NI
Ranunculus fluitans range in NI © National Museums and Galleries of NIEA (2000/04)

Ranunculus fluitans is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 and is listed in the Irish Red Data Book. The River Water-crowfoot Species Action Plan (SAP) recommends monitoring the species distribution, abundance and viability including ecology and genetic research to determine the species’ origin.

 

The River Water-crowfoot (R. fluitans) is known to hybridise with both the Stream Water-Crowfoot (R. penicillatus) and the Pond Water-Crowfoot (R. peltatus). R. fluitans may be distinguished from the other two species by its rigid leaves and small flowers, typically with 10 petals (as opposed to 5 in the other species). Anecdotal information suggests that many of the plants that occur on the Six Mile Water are hybrids, however, the extent of hybridisation is unknown.

 

The current project aims to establish the current distribution and extent of the species on the Six Mile Water and to assess the levels of both genetic variation and hybridisation within the population.Specifically:

 

1.       Determine the current distribution of Ranunculus fluitans on the Six Mile Water

2.       Determine the levels and patterns of genetic variation in Ranunculus fluitans

3.       Determine the degree to which Ranunculus species hybridise

4.       Develop a rational and sustainable plan for the conservation of extant genetic diversity within the species

 

Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP) is funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)