Eco-evolutionary dynamics of range expansion in the context of climate change: Insights from the Greater White-Toothed Shrew in the Czech Republic

Provider

Czech Science Foundation

Programme

Standard projects

Call for proposals

SGA0202600001

Main participants

Ústav biologie obratlovců AV ČR, v. v. i.

Contest type

VS - Public tender

Contract ID

26-22322S

Project name in Czech

Eco-evolutionary dynamics of range expansion in the context of climate change: Insights from the Greater White-Toothed Shrew in the Czech Republic

Annotation in Czech

In recent years, the greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula, has exhibited accelerated island colonization and continental range expansion, coinciding with the warmest average temperatures on record over the past decade. In 2023, we reported its arrival in the Czech Republic. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we aim to evaluate the potential of this species as a model system for studying patterns and processes of range expansion under accelerating climate change. Specifically, we will reassess its evolutionary history to quantify the extent of standing genetic variation available for selection; characterize spatial patterns of adaptive variation linked to climatic variables across its continental range; monitor the expansion wave in the Czech Republic and its impact on the local shrew community; and finally, investigate host- symbiont interactions at the wave front. The greater white-toothed shrew promises to be an emerging model system for monitoring and understanding species response to global climate change.

R&D category

ZV - Basic research

OECD FORD - main branch

10602 - Biology (theoretical, mathematical, thermal, cryobiology, biological rhythm), Evolutionary biology

OECD FORD - secondary branch

10618 - Ecology

OECD FORD - another secondary branch

30310 - Parasitology

CEP - equivalent branches <br>(according to the <a href="http://www.vyzkum.cz/storage/att/E6EF7938F0E854BAE520AC119FB22E8D/Prevodnik_oboru_Frascati.pdf">converter</a>)

EA - Morphology and cytology<br>EH - Ecology - communities<br>FP - Other medical fields

Realization period - beginning

Jan 1, 2026

Realization period - end

Dec 31, 2028

Project status

Z - Beginning multi-year project

Latest support payment

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Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Data delivery code

CEP26-GA0-GA-R

Data delivery date

Apr 30, 2026

Total approved costs

11,946 thou. CZK

Public financial support

11,946 thou. CZK

Other public sources

0 thou. CZK

Non public and foreign sources

0 thou. CZK