Conservation of aquatic biodiversity in the National Parks of the Canary Islands in a context of water stress and invasive species.

The objectives of the project are to: 1) hydrologically characterize the main bodies of surface water; 2) generate basic information on the taxonomic and genetic diversity of the aquatic insect and diatom community; 3) evaluate the current status of the presence of aquatic invasive species; 4) determine the vulnerability of species to climate change; and 5) identify priority areas for biodiversity conservation and invasive species management in a context of water stress and climate change. Among other things, the CONACAN project will serve to design a sampling network of aquatic biodiversity within the parks studied, to train park personnel in its study and conservation, and to propose measures for biodiversity conservation and invasive species management.