Discovery of a wild, genetically pure Chinese giant salamander creates new conservation opportunities.

ABSTRACT: Effective conservation of threatened biota relies on accurate assessments and scientific guidance. As an unfortunate example, Chinese giant salamanders ( Andrias, CGS) remain critically endangered in nature. Misguided conservation efforts, e.g., commercial propagation and releasing of millions of likely non-indigenous or interspecific hybrids, have further compromised conservation initiatives. Limited information on wild populations of CGS poses a significant conservation challenge. Following 18-month long field monitoring, we now report the discovery of a wild population of CGS in a closed nature reserve in Jiangxi Province, China. Genomic assessments reveal its genetic distinctiveness and do not detect genetic admixture with other species. Based on morphological and molecular evid

SUBMITTER: Chai J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9113980 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature