The academic journal zoology research published on the 18th reported that the discovery of pure species of Chinese giant salamander in the wild brings new opportunities for its effective protection: "based on the evidence of morphology and genetic differentiation, this study describes a new species of Jiangxi giant salamander Andrias jiangxiensis sp.nov. this is the first pure species of giant salamander with clear genetic identity and stable reproduction in the wild in China."**
The scientific research team is carrying out field monitoring. Photo taken by Peng Yong / Guangming
According to the researchers, since the second half of 2020, the scientific research team of Kunming Institute of zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences has carried out field monitoring in Jiulingshan National Nature Reserve in Jing'an County, Jiangxi Province by using the mark recapture method, recorded more than 700 individuals, including adults, sub adults and newly hatched young salamanders, and observed field reproduction for two consecutive years, The scientific research achievement of "discovering Jiangxi giant salamander wild purebred population" was obtained after expert review. Genome level data analysis supports that Jiangxi giant salamander has significant genetic differentiation and is not polluted by hybridization of giant salamanders in other provinces and regions.
The giant salamander, commonly known as "giant salamander", is a unique and rare amphibian in China and plays an important role in the protection of global biodiversity resources. Giant salamander is the largest existing amphibian species in the world. Its origin can be traced back to the Jurassic era. Because this group has a long evolutionary history and high evolutionary uniqueness, it is listed as an extremely endangered species by the World Conservation Union and a secondary protected animal in China.
The survey shows that Jiangxi giant salamander population is an isolated population with single point distribution, and its habitat water area is only about 36 square kilometers. According to experts, Jiangxi giant salamander is the first pure species of giant salamander with clear genetic identity and stable reproduction in the wild in China. It is also the first wild population in China that can record the complete natural life history of giant salamander, which provides valuable data for the systematic collection of basic biological and habitat ecological data of species.
It is understood that the Jiangxi giant salamander research project is jointly initiated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Jiangxi Provincial People's government, and jointly undertaken by the state, relevant scientific research institutions in Jiangxi Province and relevant departments in Jing'an county. The study provides a reference and demonstration for the formulation and adjustment of protection plans for species endangered by human activities (such as human migration, overutilization, etc.).