Landscape Genomics Provides Insights Into Climate Change-Driven Vulnerability in Torrent Frogs (Ranidae: Amolops).

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Amphibians are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption are critical global concerns.
• Amphibian conservation is vital for ecosystem health and biodiversity maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the vulnerability of Amolops frog species to future climate change.
• To identify key environmental drivers of local adaptation in Amolops.
• To predict habitat loss and extinction risks for Amolops species.

Main Methods:

• Genotype-environment association (GEA) analyses to identify climate-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
• Genetic offset analysis to evaluate extinction risk based on genetic-environmental mismatches.
• Ecological niche modeling to predict future habitat suitability.
• Life Strategy Index (LSI) framework to assess species vulnerability.

Main Results:

• Temperature and precipitation are key drivers of local adaptation in Amolops species.
• Marginal and high-latitude populations face higher extinction risks due to genetic-environmental mismatches.
• Approximately 67% of Amolops species are predicted to experience significant habitat loss by 2100.
• Amolops deng and Amolops tuberodepressus show high extinction risk, while Amolops mantzorum exhibits low risk and high adaptability.

Conclusions:

• Climate change poses a severe threat to Amolops frog species, with substantial habitat loss predicted.
• The LSI framework provides a robust method for assessing species vulnerability by integrating evolutionary, ecological, and colonization factors.
• Targeted conservation strategies are essential for mitigating extinction risks and preserving amphibian biodiversity in the face of climate change.