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

Anthony LAU; Shu-Ping TSENG; Nancy E. KARRAKER; David DUDGEON

doi:10.1002/ece3.70849

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

Anthony LAU^*, Shu-Ping TSENG, Nancy E. KARRAKER, David DUDGEON

^*Corresponding author for this work

Science Unit

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › peer-review

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.

Original language	English
Article number	e70849
Journal	Ecology and Evolution
Volume	15
Issue number	4
Early online date	7 Apr 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70849
Publication status	Published - Apr 2025

Bibliographical note

We thank the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of HKSAR Government for granting us access to sampling sites and permission to collect tissue samples. YB Yan and HK Chan advised on PCRs and genotyping. Lily Ng and Charis Chan provided technical support. Jonathan Fong and Simon Sin provided constructive comments on earlier drafts which improved our paper immensely. Paulina Wong and Wenhui Cai helped prepare the paleodrainage map, and Hon Shing Fung allowed us to use his outstanding photograph of Hong Kong newts. We also thank two anonymous reviewers for carefully reviewing our work and providing constructive feedback. The University of Hong Kong Committee on the Use of Live Animals in Teaching and Research (permit 3043-13) and the HKSAR Department of Health (Animals Regulations permits 13-357 and 13-358) approved the use of animals in this research.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s). Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Funding

This work was supported by the Research Grants Council of HKSAR (GRF no. HKU 765510M awarded to DD and NEK; ECS LU 23100221 awarded to AL).

Keywords

gene flow
habitat fragmentation
population genetics
Reforestation
Salamandridae
urbanization
reforestation

Access to Document

10.1002/ece3.70849Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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title = "Genetic Diversity and Interpopulation Variability of the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) in an Urbanized and Deforested Landscape",

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.",

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note = "We thank the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of HKSAR Government for granting us access to sampling sites and permission to collect tissue samples. YB Yan and HK Chan advised on PCRs and genotyping. Lily Ng and Charis Chan provided technical support. Jonathan Fong and Simon Sin provided constructive comments on earlier drafts which improved our paper immensely. Paulina Wong and Wenhui Cai helped prepare the paleodrainage map, and Hon Shing Fung allowed us to use his outstanding photograph of Hong Kong newts. We also thank two anonymous reviewers for carefully reviewing our work and providing constructive feedback. The University of Hong Kong Committee on the Use of Live Animals in Teaching and Research (permit 3043-13) and the HKSAR Department of Health (Animals Regulations permits 13-357 and 13-358) approved the use of animals in this research. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 The Author(s). Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.",

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

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Funding

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

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Evaluating the effects of chemical defense, parasitism, and anthropogenic disturbance on Hong Kong newt survival: A comprehensive approach to endangered species management

Cite this

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

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Funding

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Projects

Evaluating the effects of chemical defense, parasitism, and anthropogenic disturbance on Hong Kong newt survival: A comprehensive approach to endangered species management

Cite this