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Xiang H, Zhou Q, Li W, Shu J, Gu Z, Jiang W. Insights into phylogenetic positions and distribution patterns: Complete mitogenomes of two sympatric Asian horned toads in Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11687. [PMID: 38994208 PMCID: PMC11237341 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Boulenophrys sangzhiensis and Boulenophrys tuberogranulata, two narrow-distributed toad species within the Megophryidae family in southern China, are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss and degradation. Despite their critical conservation status, the two species remain largely overlooked in public and scientific spheres. This study presented the first sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the complete mitogenomes of both species using next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome of B. sangzhiensis was 16,950 bp, while that of B. tuberogranulata was 16,841 bp, each comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a noncoding control region (D-loop). The gene content, nucleotide composition, and evolutionary rates of each mitogenome were analyzed. Both mitogenomes exhibited negative AT skew and GC skew with high A + T content. ATP8 exhibited the highest evolutionary rate, while COI had the lowest. A phylogenetic analysis based on 28 mitogenomes revealed two major clades of Megophryidae, supporting the classification of two subfamilies, Megophryinae and Leptobrachiinae. Within the subfamily Megophryinae, the genus Boulenophrys was divided into two species groups. Intriguingly, despite coexisting in Zhangjiajie City, B. sangzhiensis and B. tuberogranulata exhibited distinct origins from the two different species groups, underscoring the unique role of the coexisting area Zhangjiajie in driving their speciation and preserving their current populations. A parallel pattern was also identified in the Leptobrachiinae genus Leptobrachium within the same region. This study provided valuable data references and enhanced our understanding of the molecular characteristics of these threatened amphibian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Forest Products and Chemical Industry Engineering, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Integrative Utilization Technology of Eucommia ulmoidesJishou UniversityZhangjiajieChina
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Forest Products and Chemical Industry Engineering, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Integrative Utilization Technology of Eucommia ulmoidesJishou UniversityZhangjiajieChina
- College of Biology and Environmental SciencesJishou UniversityJishouChina
| | - Wei Li
- Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkZhangjiajieChina
| | - Juan Shu
- Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkZhangjiajieChina
| | - Zhirong Gu
- National Nature Reserve of BadagongshanZhangjiajieChina
| | - Wansheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Forest Products and Chemical Industry Engineering, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Integrative Utilization Technology of Eucommia ulmoidesJishou UniversityZhangjiajieChina
- College of Biology and Environmental SciencesJishou UniversityJishouChina
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Kane D, Tapley B, LA TVAN, Nguyen LT. A new species of the genus Rhabdophis Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Colubridae) from the Hoang Lien range, northwest Vietnam. Zootaxa 2023; 5343:101-125. [PMID: 38221383 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5343.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
We describe a new species of the Natricinae genus Rhabdophis Fitzinger, 1843 from the Hoang Lien range, northwest Vietnam. The new species is distinct from all congeneric species on the grounds of morphometric and molecular data. The new species is most similar to Rhabdophis leonardi in terms of morphology but can be distinguished from it based on differences in maxillary tooth count, scalation, and genetic data. A sequence on GenBank from a Rhabdophis specimen collected in Honghe, Yunnan, China was identical to the species we describe, and it is likely that the new species is not restricted to Vietnam. As a priority, future work should focus on determining the distribution of this species, as well as understanding population and life history traits such as reproductive rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kane
- ZSL London Zoo; Zoological Society of London; Regents Park; London; United Kingdom; NW1 4RY.
| | - Benjamin Tapley
- ZSL London Zoo; Zoological Society of London; Regents Park; London; United Kingdom; NW1 4RY.
| | - Toi VAN LA
- Hoang Lien National Park; Sapa; Lao Cai Province; Vietnam.
| | - Luan Thanh Nguyen
- EDGE of Existence Programme; Zoological Society of London; Regents Park; London; NW1 4RY; United Kingdom; Asian Turtle ProgramIndo-Myanmar Conservation; CT1 Bac Ha C14 Building; To Huu Road; Ha Noi; Vietnam.
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Qian T, Li Y, Chen J, Li P, Yang D. Tadpoles of four sympatric megophryinid frogs (Anura, Megophryidae, Megophryinae) from Mangshan in southern China. Zookeys 2023; 1139:1-32. [PMID: 36761275 PMCID: PMC9843614 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1139.81641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sympatric distribution and potentially long larval development time make the assignment of tadpoles confusing in Asian-horned frogs of the subfamily Megophryinae. In this study, we used molecular data to identify four syntopic megophryinid tadpoles from Mangshan on the border between Hunan and Guangdong provinces in southern China: Brachytarsophryspopei, Boulenophrysshimentaina, Bo.cf.ombrophila, and Bo.nanlingensis. A detailed re-description of the Br.popei tadpoles is provided as well as the first descriptions of three Boulenophrys tadpoles based on external morphology and coloration. An effort is attempted to distinguish these tadpoles by coloration patterns: the dorsal pattern, ventral pattern, and pattern on tail are useful for field identification of these tadpoles. However, the variation of color pattern could sometimes make species delineation difficult. Researchers are encouraged to document coloration in life with photographs and the collection of tadpoles of different development stages and sizes advocated in order to better understand how color may change during larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Qian
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, ChinaCentral South University of Forestry and TechnologyChangshaChina,Institute of Herpetology, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang 110034, ChinaShenyang Normal UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yonghui Li
- Administration Bureau of Hunan Mangshan National Nature Reserve, Chenzhou 423000, Hunan, ChinaAdministration Bureau of Hunan Mangshan National Nature ReserveChenzhouChina
| | - Jun Chen
- Administration Bureau of Hunan Mangshan National Nature Reserve, Chenzhou 423000, Hunan, ChinaAdministration Bureau of Hunan Mangshan National Nature ReserveChenzhouChina
| | - Pipeng Li
- Institute of Herpetology, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang 110034, ChinaShenyang Normal UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Daode Yang
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, ChinaCentral South University of Forestry and TechnologyChangshaChina
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Krzikowski M, Nguyen TQ, Pham CT, Rödder D, Rauhaus A, Le MD, Ziegler T. Assessment of the threat status of the amphibians in Vietnam - Implementation of the One Plan Approach. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.82145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The current decline in global biodiversity is most evident in amphibians with 41% percent of all species worldwide classified as threatened with extinction. Hence, a major challenge in amphibian conservation is the high number of threatened species, leading to a common approach of identifying priority species and regions for conservation efforts. As a part of one of 36 globally designated biodiversity hotspots, Vietnam is considered to be of particular importance for conservation action. To improve amphibian conservation in Vietnam, this study provides an updated species list and assesses their threat status by compiling data from a variety of sources. Furthermore, a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) analysis was conducted to determine the representation of extant amphibians from Vietnam in zoos worldwide. The batrachofauna of Vietnam is characterized by a high level of species richness and local endemism as well as a high rate of new discoveries, with more than half of the endemic species reported exclusively from their type locality, making them especially vulnerable to extinction. Up to 18% of all amphibians extant in Vietnam and 28% of endemic species are classified as threatened with extinction by the IUCN. In many cases, the IUCN Red List status is either missing or outdated, highlighting the urgent need of action. Around 14% of endemic amphibian species have been recorded exclusively from unprotected areas, suggesting prioritization for further research and conservation measures. The continuing decline in many species remains an unresolved problem. As a guide for future research and conservation measures, a list of the top 57 species was compiled. In addition, according to the ZIMS analysis, only 8% of threatened and 3% of endemic amphibian taxa from Vietnam are currently kept in zoos worldwide, and a richness analysis revealed that the highest density of husbandries is found in Europe and North America. To achieve maximum outcome for the conservation of threatened species, this study recommends a general shift by zoos towards maintaining species in greater need of captive assurance populations and breeding programs to support integrative strategies that combine in situ and ex situ conservation efforts following the IUCN’s One Plan Approach.
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Li S, Liu J, Yang G, Wei G, Su H. A new toad species of the genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Guizhou Province, China. Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e79984. [PMID: 35233171 PMCID: PMC8881434 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e79984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The toads of the genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 are distributed in southern China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand. Seven species of the genus have been recognised, of which five of them are known from China so far. New information Brachytarsophrysqiannanensis sp. nov., a new species of the short-legged toad genus is here described from southern Guizhou Province, China. Diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated and comparisons with its congeners are provided. Its validity is also affirmed by its distinct mitochondrial gene sequence divergence with all congeners and its monophyly recovered in the mitochondrial gene-based phylogenetic analyses.
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Luo T, Wang Y, Wang S, Lu X, Wang W, Deng H, Zhou J. A species of the genus Panophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from southeastern Guizhou Province, China. Zookeys 2021; 1047:27-60. [PMID: 34248365 PMCID: PMC8249361 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1047.61097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe Panophryscongjiangensissp. nov. obtained from the Yueliangshan Nature Reserve, Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI indicated that this new species represented an independent lineage, closely related to P.leishanensis. The uncorrected genetic distances between the new species and its closest congener, P.leishanensis, were 3.0% for 16S rRNA and 8.4% for COI. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics (1) medium body size (SVL 28.6–33.4 mm in males and 38.4–40.2 mm in females); (2) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (3) the tympanum distinctly visible (TD/ED ratio 0.47–0.66); (4) vomerine teeth absent; (5) the tongue not notched behind; (6) a narrow and unobvious lateral fringe on toes; (7) relative finger lengths II < I < V < III; (8) rudimentary webs on toes; (9) hindlimbs slender, heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (10) two metacarpal tubercles on the palm, with the inner metatarsal tubercle long and oval-shaped; (11) the tibiotarsal articulation reaching the nostril when the leg is adpressed and stretched forward; (12) dorsal skin rough with numerous orange–red granules, ventral surface smooth; (13) a single internal subgular vocal sac present in males; and (14) in breeding males, weak gray-black nuptial pads with black nuptial spines present on the dorsal surface of the bases of the first and second fingers. To date, the new species is only known from the type locality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Luo
- School of Karst Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
| | - Yali Wang
- School of Karst Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
| | - Siwei Wang
- School of Karst Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
| | - Xueli Lu
- School of Karst Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
| | - Weifeng Wang
- School of Karst Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
| | - Huaiqing Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- School of Karst Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou, China Guizhou Normal University Guiyang China
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