Premium
Genetic variability among endangered Chinese giant salamanders, Andrias davidianus
Author(s) -
Murphy Robert W.,
Fu Jinzhong,
Upton Darlene E.,
De Lema Thales,
Zhao ErMi
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-294x.2000.01036.x
Subject(s) - biology , endangered species , mitochondrial dna , genetic divergence , microsatellite , evolutionary biology , population , zoology , critically endangered , ecology , genetics , genetic diversity , allele , gene , demography , sociology , habitat
The endangered Chinese giant salamander ( Andrias davidianus ) is endemic to mainland China. Genetic divergence among six populations of the species was investigated by means of isozyme electrophoresis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. Forty allozyme loci were resolved for all populations; the amount of genetic divergence among populations was comparable to that in other amphibians. mtDNA sequences showed a similar level of divergence. The population from Huangshan is distinct from other populations, indicating the existence of localized divergence. Both allozyme and mtDNA data failed to associate the populations into a pattern corresponding to the three Chinese river systems, which may be the consequence of human relocation. Conservation policies should emphasize the protection of localized populations and cessation of human‐facilitated introductions. Future studies should focus on investigating the divergence among localized populations from isolated mountain regions, particularly using more fine‐grained techniques such as microsatellite DNA.