# Genetic Diversity and Interpopulation Variability of the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) in an Urbanized and Deforested Landscape

## TL;DR

This study examines the genetic diversity of the Hong Kong newt in a heavily urbanized and deforested area, finding surprising resilience and the need for targeted conservation strategies.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the genetic structure of the Hong Kong newt using species-specific microsatellite markers.

## Key findings

- High genetic diversity was found within and among Hong Kong newt populations despite habitat disturbance.
- Four distinct genetic clusters were identified, suggesting separate conservation units.
- Only two out of ten sites showed signs of recent population bottlenecks.

## Abstract

Population genetics is a valuable tool for conservationists to quantify population‐level genetic variation and identify priority conservation units. The Hong Kong newt (
Paramesotriton hongkongensis
) is a tropical salamander restricted to streams and forests in southern China, facing significant challenges from range‐wide deforestation since the 1600s, and recent rapid urban development. Using species‐specific microsatellite markers, we found surprisingly high genetic diversity within and among
P. hongkongensis
populations, despite long‐term habitat disturbance and fragmentation. Only 2 out of 10 sites exhibited evidence of recent population bottlenecks. Bayesian clustering revealed four well‐supported genetic clusters within the newt's Hong Kong range, suggesting that these should be managed as separate conservation units. Our findings highlight the resilience of this species to historical and contemporary disturbances and emphasize the importance of considering genetic data in conservation planning for amphibians in human‐modified landscapes.

In this paper, we investigated the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of an endangered species of salamander using species‐specific microsatellite markers. Our results indicated that the remaining populations are still genetically diverse and protected areas in place are effective in maintaining both genetic diversity and structure. However, management authorities should consider the genetic origins of animals in any future translocation/relocation efforts.