Dataset Information

Phylogeographic patterns and conservation implications of the endangered Chinese giant salamander.

ABSTRACT: Understanding genetic diversity patterns of endangered species is an important premise for biodiversity conservation. The critically endangered salamander Andrias davidianus, endemic to central and southern mainland in China, has suffered from sharp range and population size declines over the past three decades. However, the levels and patterns of genetic diversity of A. davidianus populations in wild remain poorly understood. Herein, we explore the levels and phylogeographic patterns of genetic diversity of wild-caught A. davidianus using larvae and adult collection with the aid of sequence variation in (a) the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments (n = 320 individuals; 33 localities), (b) 19 whole mtDNA genomes, and (c) nuclear recombinase activating gene 2 (RAG2; n = 88 individuals; 19 localities). Phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA datasets uncovered seven divergent mitochondrial clades (A-G), which likely originated in association with the uplifting of mountains during the Late Miocene, specific habitat requirements, barriers including mountains and drainages and lower dispersal ability. The distributions of clades were geographic partitioned and confined in neighboring regions. Furthermore, we discovered some mountains, rivers, and provinces harbored more than one clades. RAG2 analyses revealed no obvious geographic patterns among the five alleles detected. Our study depicts a relatively intact distribution map of A. davidianus clades in natural species range and provides important knowledge that can be used to improve monitoring programs and develop a conservation strategy for this critically endangered organism.

SUBMITTER: Liang ZQ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6467858 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Phylogeographic patterns and conservation implications of the endangered Chinese giant salamander.

Liang Zhi-Qiang ZQ Chen Wei-Tao WT Wang Deng-Qiang DQ Zhang Shu-Huan SH Wang Chong-Rui CR He Shun-Ping SP Wu Yuan-An YA He Ping P Xie Jiang J Li Chuan-Wu CW Merilä Juha J Wei Qi-Wei QW

Ecology and evolution 20190307 7

Understanding genetic diversity patterns of endangered species is an important premise for biodiversity conservation. The critically endangered salamander <i>Andrias davidianus</i>, endemic to central and southern mainland in China, has suffered from sharp range and population size declines over the past three decades. However, the levels and patterns of genetic diversity of <i>A. davidianus</i> populations in wild remain poorly understood. Herein, we explore the levels and phylogeographic patte ...[more]

PMID: 31015973

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Project description:The purpose of this study was to determine whether limited occurrence data for highly threatened species can provide useful spatial information to inform conservation. The study was conducted across central and southern China. We developed a habitat suitability model for the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) based on one biotic and three abiotic parameters from single-site locality records, which represent the only relevant environmental data available for this species. We then validated model quality by testing whether increased percentage of predicted suitable habitat at the county level correlated with independent data on giant salamander presence. We randomly selected 48 counties containing historical records which were distinct from, and independent of, the single-site records used to develop the model, and 47 additional counties containing >50% predicted suitable habitat. We interviewed 2,812 respondents near potential giant salamander habitat across these counties and tested for differences in respondent giant salamander reports between counties selected using each method. Our model predicts that suitable giant salamander habitat is found widely across central and southern China, with counties containing ?50% predicted suitable habitat distributed in 13 provinces. Counties with historical records contain significantly more predicted suitable habitat than counties without historical records. There are no statistical differences in any patterns of respondent giant salamander reports in surveyed counties selected from our model compared with the areas of known historical giant salamander distribution. A Chinese giant salamander habitat suitability model with strong predictive power can be derived from the restricted range of environmental variables associated with limited available presence-only occurrence records, constituting a cost-effective strategy to guide spatial allocation of conservation planning. Few reported sightings were recent, however, with most being over 20 years old, so that identification of areas of suitable habitat does not necessarily indicate continued survival of the species at these locations.

Dataset Information

Phylogeographic patterns and conservation implications of the endangered Chinese giant salamander.

Publications

Phylogeographic patterns and conservation implications of the endangered Chinese giant salamander.

Similar Datasets

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