Spatial and Seasonal Changes in Microbial Community of Hynobius amjiensis Breeding Pools in a Sphagnum-Dominated Peatland

TL;DR

This study explores how microbial communities in breeding pools of a critically endangered salamander change with location and season, affecting the species' survival.

Contribution

The study reveals spatial and seasonal variations in microbial communities and their potential impact on the endangered Hynobius amjiensis in a Sphagnum-dominated peatland.

Findings

Egg sac numbers were higher in marginal breeding pools compared to core area pools.

Microbial α-diversity was lower in core region pools, possibly due to water eutrophication.

Microbial communities and water quality varied significantly among pools and over time.

Abstract

Peatlands deliver a variety of beneficial ecosystem services, particularly serving as habitats for a diverse array of species. Hynobius amjiensis is a critically endangered amphibian initially discovered in a Sphagnum-dominated peatland in Anji, China. The unique habitat requirements of H. amjiensis make it highly vulnerable to environmental changes. Here, we investigated the different breeding pools of H. amjiensis in the Sphagnum-dominated peatland (the type locality) for a one-year period to evaluate the interactions among the egg sacs present, water quality, and microbial communities (16S and 18S rRNA gene amplicon). The numbers of egg sacs were higher in the breeding pools located at the marginal area than those at the core area of the peatland. Similarly, the α-diversity of bacteria, fungi, and protists were lower in the core region compared to those at the edge of the peatland, perhaps due to water eutrophication. The microbial communities and water quality differed significantly among breeding pools and sampling months. The simpler microbial networks of the breeding pools in the core wetland may impact the numbers and health of the egg sacs. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effect of water quality on biodiversity in peatlands, and it can also guide regulations for wetland conservation and the protection of endangered species.

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