Genetics are getting more and more important in nature management and nature policy. Genetic variation is the basic for biodiversity within ecosystems and species. When a habitat of a threatened species is suitable in all respects or has been made suitable, it can be that this is not enough to prevent the species from dying out in that location. If the population is old and suffering from genetic erosion, reproduction is no longer successful neither is there an exchange of genes. It is thus important to have more insight in the genetic diversity and effective population size of threatened species.

Internships:

• Genetics of the common spadefoto (Pelobates fuscus)
  Development of microsatellite markers for the Common Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus). The Common Spadefoot is an extremely threatened species in the Netherlands. In 2011, a restocking/reintroduction program was started to help this species survive. A genetic study is important to know what is allowed and what not within a breeding program. To get an idea of the genetic variation within the populations, markers have to be developed to be able to study the genetics of P. fuscus
  PERIOD: 2012 (master)
  TUTOR(S): W. Bosman working together with the University of Amsterdam
  LOCATION: Amsterdam
   
• Population structure of (Bufo calamita)
  A German study indicated that populations of the Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita) are not only separated in space, but also in time. Currently it is stated that the species has a prolonged reproductive phase, lasting from spring until late August. However, we are interested to find out if this really is a long reproductive phase, or whether there are two or perhaps three separate phases. This could mean that the 'early birds' are genetically different than the individuals participating in the reproduction phases later in the season. If this is the case, this finding has serious implications for population management and for the definition of a viable population of B. calamita.
  PERIOD: March - December for fieldwork and following winter analyses(Master)
  TUTOR(S): E. Goverse working together with the University of Amsterdam
  LOCATION: Amsterdam
   
• Genetics of the European brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri)
  Development of microsatellite markers for the European brook lamprey (Lamprena planeri). The European brook lamprey is a threatened species in the Netherlands. In 2012, an intensive study will take place in the province of Noord-Brabant. A genetic study is important to know how the genetic composition of populations is in the Netherland. To get an idea of the genetic variation within the Dutch population, markers have to be developed to be able to study the genetics of populations of L. planeri
  PERIOD: March – December 2012 (Master)
  TUTOR(S): J. Kranenbarg working together with the University of Amsterdam
  LOCATION: Amsterdam
   
• Genetisch study on the European weather loach (Misgurnus fossilis)
  The European Weather Loach (Misgurnus fossilis) is an endangered fish in the Netherlands. There is a lack of information about the genetic variation in the Dutch populations and neighboring countries; a study on the genetics of M. fossilis will give more information about the composition of populations.
  PERIOD: 2012 (Master)
  TUTOR(S): J. Herder en A. de Bruin working together with the University ofAmsterdam
  LOCATION: Amsterdam
   
• Genetisch study on the European brook lamprey Lampetra planeri)
  The European Brook Lamprey (L. planeri) is an endangered fish in the Netherlands. There is a lack of information about the genetic variation in the Dutch populations and neighboring countries; a study on the genetics of L. planeri will give more information about the genetic composition of populations.
  PERIOD: 2012 (Master)
  BEGELEIDER(S): J. Kranenbarg working together with the University of Amsterdam
  LOCATION: Amsterdam
   
• Genetic study on the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis bongniardii)
  The population of wall lizard in Maastricht nearly got extinct in the seventies of last century. A captive breeding program saved the population. From a genetic perspective the species went through a bottleneck. Aim of this internship is to study the genetic variation between the subpopulations and see if the population is viable. 
  PERIOD: 2012 (Master)
  TUTOR(S): F. Spikmans & W. Bosman working together with the University of Amsterdam
  LOCATION: Nijmegen and Amsterdam, fieldwork in Maastricht