DNA barcode reference data for the Korean herpetofauna and their applications

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Genetics
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Amphibian and reptile populations face declines due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change.
• Accurate species identification is crucial for effective monitoring and conservation management of herpetofauna.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a standardized DNA barcode database for Korean herpetofauna.
• To evaluate the efficacy of mitochondrial DNA markers for species identification.
• To provide a tool for monitoring and managing Korean amphibians and reptiles.

Main Methods:

• DNA barcoding was performed on 103 individuals from 18 amphibian and 17 reptile species.
• Partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were generated and compared with 16S rRNA and cytochrome b (Cytb).
• Phylogenetic analysis using neighbour-joining trees was employed to assess species clustering.

Main Results:

• The COI gene demonstrated superior performance over other markers, exhibiting high sequence variation without length variation and moderate amplification success.
• Despite a lack of a clear barcoding gap due to high intraspecific variation, all individuals of the same species clustered together.
• The DNA barcode database successfully identified confiscated snakes as Elaphe schrenckii and a food contaminant as Takydromus amurensis.

Conclusions:

• The COI gene is a reliable marker for constructing a DNA barcode database for Korean herpetofauna.
• High intraspecific variation observed in COI sequences suggests the potential presence of cryptic species.
• The developed database serves as a valuable tool for species identification in conservation, management, and regulatory contexts.