Rapid genetic divergence and mitonuclear discordance in the Taliang knobby newt ( Liangshantriton taliangensis, Salamandridae, Caudata) and their driving forces.

The Hengduan Mountains Region (HMR) is the largest "evolutionary frontier" of the northern temperate zone, and the origin and maintenance of species in this area is a research hotspot. Exploring species-specific responses to historical and contemporary environmental changes will improve our understanding of the role of this region in maintaining biodiversity. In this study, mitochondrial and microsatellite diversities were used to assess the contributions of paleogeological events, Pleistocene climatic oscillations, and contemporary landscape characteristics to the rapid intraspecific diversification of Liangshantriton taliangensis, a vulnerable amphibian species endemic to several sky-island mountains in the southeastern HMR. Divergence date estimations suggested that the East Asian monsoon, local uplifting events (Xigeda Formation strata), and Early-Middle Pleistocene transition (EMPT) promoted rapid divergence of L. taliangensis during the Pleistocene, yielding eight mitochondrial lineages and six nuclear genetic lineages. Moreover, population genetic structures were mainly fixed through isolation by resistance. Multiple in situ refugia were identified by ecological niche models and high genetic diversity, which played crucial roles in the persistence and divergence of L. taliangensis during glacial-interglacial cycles. Dramatic climatic fluctuations further promoted recurrent isolation and admixing of populations in scattered glacial refugia. The apparent mitonuclear discordance was likely the result of introgression by secondary contact and/or female-biased dispersal. Postglacial expansion generated two major secondary contact zones (Ganluo (GL) and Chuhongjue (CHJ)). Identification of conservation management units and dispersal corridors offers important recommendations for the conservation of this species.

A new species of bush frog (Anura, Rhacophoridae, Raorchestes) from southern Xizang, China.

Based on molecular evidence and morphological data, we describe a new species Raorchestes yadongensis sp. nov. from Yadong County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be distinguished based on a combination of the following characters: (1) small body size, SVL 17.8-24.1 mm in adult males; (2) head wider than long; (3) eye diameter about three times as much as tympanum diameter; (4) tympanum distinct; (5) fingers with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral dermal fringes; relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III; number of subarticular tubercles in fingers 1, 1, 2, 1; (6) toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral dermal fringes; relative toe lengths I < II < III < V < IV; number of subarticular tubercles in toes 1, 1, 2, 3, 2; inner metatarsal tubercle distinct, outer metatarsal tubercle absent; (7) tips of fingers and toes present discs, and discs pale brown or yellow in life; (8) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the tip of snout when adpressed; (9) milky nuptial pad present on the dorsal surface of first finger; (10) dorsal surface light brown with white warts, ventral surface with irregular white patches. The new species is currently known in Yadong County, Xizang, China, but may also occur in neighboring Bhutan and India. A key to Chinese species of the genus Raorchestes is also provided.

A new species of the genus Microhyla (Anura: Microhylidae) from Eastern Nepal.

A new species of the genus Microhyla is described from Jamun Khadi, Jhapa district of eastern Nepal, based on molecular and morphological comparisons. This species is the sister taxon of Microhyla ornata and can be distinguished by a unique vocalization, morphology and molecular phylogeny. The uncorrected genetic divergences based on rRNA gene between the new species and its closest congeners, M. nilphamariensis, M. ornata and M. rubra were 5.34%, 6.67%, and 8.31%, respectively. The new species, Microhyla taraiensis sp. nov., is distinguished from each other of Microhyla by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) relatively larger body size (SVL ranges 19.9-20.3 mm, n = 4 in the males and 22.1-24.9 mm, n = 3 in the females); (2) dorsal surface of head and body with light red dots; (3) toes webbing poorly developed or absent; (4) a large round inner metacarpal tubercle; and an (5) elongated outer metacarpal tubercle. In addition, our study also provides a new record of Microhyla nilphamariensis from Nepal.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Leishan moustache toad, Vibrissaphora leishanensis (Anura: Megophryidae).

The complete mitogenome of Leishan moustache toad, Vibrissaphora leishanensis, is determined. The mitogenome size is 17,485 bp, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 23 tRNA genes and a control region (D-loop). The base composition of the whole genome is 28.1% A, 32.6% T, 24.4% C and 14.8% G. As observed in this genus before, this mitogenome also appears a tandem duplication of tRNAMet gene. This study will provide fundamental data for further research to resolve population genetics of this species and systematic problems of the genus Vibrissaphora.