Genomics as a time capsule: insights from Oreobates chiquitanus type specimens.

backgroundBiodiversity is at increasing risk, and amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class, with 40.7% of species globally at risk. For amphibians, the primary cause for their decline is habitat loss. The scale of this global issue becomes most evident in so-called deforestation hotspots, such as the Chiquitano Dry Forest in Bolivia, which harbours a highly diverse fauna and flora with many species still awaiting formal description. Only recently, the frog Oreobates chiquitanus has been described from a single location within this forest. Since then, it was discovered at only two additional sites. An ongoing logging initiative at the type locality led to the deforestation of the sampling site, even before the species was formally described. Ongoing logging activities in the vicinity of all known sites raise questions about the species' fate. Here, we provide a comprehensive genetic definition of the species and try to assess the genetic diversity and conservation value of the type population.

resultsWe sequenced all available type specimens of Oreobates chiquitanus, providing a reference genome from one of the paratopotypes and mitochondrial assemblies for all type specimens. We further show that all known populations of this species are near recent logging initiatives. The reconstruction of the demographic history indicates that the population was recovering from a dip roughly 300kya. The estimates of relatedness and heterozygosity imply a genetically vital population.

conclusionsThis study exemplifies the importance of collaboration of natural history collections and genomic initiatives like TBG (Translational Biodiversity Genomics) for a better understanding of the anthropogenic impacts in times of global change, to identify and describe biodiversity, to raise awareness, and inform potential conservation measures. We not only provide a comprehensive and permanent molecular definition for O. chiquitanus but also assess the genetic diversity of the population. Therefore, this study provides an important baseline for future studies of genetic erosion in this species. Furthermore, it illustrates the risk of biodiversity loss in the Chiquitano Dry Forest and signifies the need for conservation efforts.