Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of <i>Leptobrachium leishanense</i> (Anura: Megophryidae) as Determined by Tetranucleotide Microsatellite Markers Developed from Its Genome

Abstract

Persisting declination of amphibians around the world has resulted in the public attaching importance to the conservation of their biodiversity. Genetic data can be greatly helpful in conservation planning and management, especially in species that are small in size and hard to observe. It is essential to perform genetic assessments for the conservation of Leptobrachium leishanense, an endangered toad and receiving secondary protection on the list of state-protected wildlife in China. However, current molecular markers with low reliability and efficiency hinder studies. Here, we sampled 120 adult toes from the population in the Leishan Mountain, 23 of which were used to develop tetranucleotide microsatellite markers based on one reference L. leishanense genome. After primer optimization, stability detection, and polymorphism detection, we obtained 12 satisfactory microsatellite loci. Then, we used these loci to evaluate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of the 120 individuals. Our results show that there is a low degree of inbreeding in the population, and it has a high genetic diversity. Recently, the population has not experienced population bottlenecks, and the estimated effective population size was 424.3. Accordingly, stabilizing genetic diversity will be key to population sustainability. Recovering its habitat and avoiding intentional human use will be useful for conservation of this species.

Keywords

• Chinese endemic frog
• genetic diversity
• microsatellite markers
• population dynamics
• wildlife conservation