# Genetic Diversity of Chinese Giant Salamanders Under the Context of Translocation Using Novel Development of Genomic SSR Markers

## TL;DR

Researchers developed new genetic markers to study Chinese giant salamanders and found that translocated populations have higher genetic diversity than natural ones.

## Contribution

The study introduces 19 novel genomic SSR markers for Chinese giant salamanders, enabling better assessment of genetic diversity.

## Key findings

- The Jinbianxi population, a long-term translocation site, showed the highest genetic diversity.
- The Wumuyu population, a natural site, had the lowest genetic diversity and significant differentiation from another natural site.
- Genetic structure suggests hybridization events in the Jinbianxi population due to translocation practices.

## Abstract

Genetic diversity is crucial for assessing biodiversity and understanding the evolutionary potential of threatened species like the Chinese giant salamanders (Andrias spp., CGS), which are among the most endangered amphibians globally. With extensive translocation efforts aimed at conservation, it is essential to assess genetic diversity using molecular markers to gauge potential impacts on the original populations. In this study, 15,140,972 genomic scaffold sequences of CGS were assembled using next‐generation sequencing, revealing 316,313 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci, predominantly dinucleotide repeats. From 200 randomly synthesized SSR primer pairs, 19 markers with moderate to high polymorphisms were validated and selected to evaluate the genetic diversity of CGS based on 60 wild individuals from six sampling sites in the Hunan Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve. Results highlighted the highest diversity in the Jinbianxi population, a long‐term reinforcement site, and the lowest in the Wumuyu population, a historically natural site. Genetic differentiation was most pronounced between the populations of Wumuyu and another historically natural site, Yuanzi, contrasting with lower differentiation between two recently reintroduced sites, Xixiping and Xiangshi. The genetic structure of the Jinbianxi population suggests potential hybridization events between distinct genetic lineages or species, along with long‐term translocation practices. This study introduces a large set of genomic SSR markers of CGS, highlighting the significance of reliable markers for evaluating its genetic dynamics. It also stresses the necessity of continuous monitoring, assessment, and management of genetic diversity to enhance conservation strategies effectively.

This study developed 19 novel genomic SSR markers for the critically endangered Chinese giant salamander (Andrias spp.) using next‐generation sequencing, revealing 316,313 SSR loci. Analysis of 60 wild individuals across six sites in Hunan Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve identified the highest genetic diversity in the long‐term translocated Jinbianxi population and the lowest in the natural Wumuyu site, with significant differentiation between natural populations compared to recently reintroduced groups. The findings emphasize the need for genetic monitoring to mitigate hybridization risks and improve conservation strategies for this imperiled species.