Genetic Diversity and Interpopulation Variability of the Hong Kong Newt (<i>Paramesotriton hongkongensis</i>) in an Urbanized and Deforested Landscape.

ABSTRACT: Population genetics is a valuable tool for conservationists to quantify population-level genetic variation and identify priority conservation units. The Hong Kong newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) is a tropical salamander restricted to streams and forests in southern China, facing significant challenges from range-wide deforestation since the 1600s, and recent rapid urban development. Using species-specific microsatellite markers, we found surprisingly high genetic diversity within and among P. hongkongensis populations, despite long-term habitat disturbance and fragmentation. Only 2 out of 10 sites exhibited evidence of recent population bottlenecks. Bayesian clustering revealed four well-supported genetic clusters within the newt's Hong Kong range, suggesting that these s

SUBMITTER: Lau A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11974448 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature