Design and Application of a Genome‐Wide <scp>SNP</scp> Array to Improve Conservation Outcomes in the Critically Endangered Southern Corroboree Frog

Species-specific genomic information has the potential to transform modern conservation management strategies through improved genomic assessment and management outcomes. Gaining genomic insights into genetic diversity, adaptability and potential resilience against infectious diseases is essential to enhance conservation efforts for threatened species. Here, we describe the development of the first custom SNP array for an amphibian, designed for the critically endangered Pseudophryne corroboree, which has experienced a near-total population collapse due to the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd). The array comprises 48,386 SNPs, with an average density of 5.45 SNPs per Mb and was effective in genotyping multiple tissue types, including non-lethal buccal swabs. Of the SNPs, 82.1% were polymorphic across 910 captive-bred P. corroboree individuals derived from ~54 families. Population genetic analysis revealed evidence of ancestral inbreeding and two historic bottlenecks, one coinciding with the arrival of Bd in Australia. Notably, we demonstrate successful cross-species amplification of 21,077 (43.6%) polymorphic loci in three closely related anurans, highlighting the array's broader utility beyond P. corroboree. This tool represents a valuable resource for investigating the genetic basis of disease resistance and developing management strategies for improving reintroduction outcomes in P. corroboree, while also providing a foundation for advancing conservation genomics in other amphibian species.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Molecular Ecology Resources
Published
2026-03-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.70080
Primary Topic
Amphibian and Reptile Biology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Design and Application of a Genome‐Wide SNP Array to Improve Conservation Outcomes in the Critically Endangered Southern Corroboree Frog

Kyall R. Zenger, Mikaeylah J. Davidson, L. F. Skerratt, Tiffany A. Kosch et al.
Molecular Ecology Resources
Amphibian and Reptile Biology
article

Design and Application of a Genome‐Wide SNP Array to Improve Conservation Outcomes in the Critically Endangered Southern Corroboree Frog

Kyall R. Zenger, Mikaeylah J. Davidson, L. F. Skerratt, Tiffany A. Kosch, J. Scott Keogh, Lee Berger
article en

Abstract

Species-specific genomic information has the potential to transform modern conservation management strategies through improved genomic assessment and management outcomes. Gaining genomic insights into genetic diversity, adaptability and potential resilience against infectious diseases is essential to enhance conservation efforts for threatened species. Here, we describe the development of the first custom SNP array for an amphibian, designed for the critically endangered Pseudophryne corroboree, which has experienced a near-total population collapse due to the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd). The array comprises 48,386 SNPs, with an average density of 5.45 SNPs per Mb and was effective in genotyping multiple tissue types, including non-lethal buccal swabs. Of the SNPs, 82.1% were polymorphic across 910 captive-bred P. corroboree individuals derived from ~54 families. Population genetic analysis revealed evidence of ancestral inbreeding and two historic bottlenecks, one coinciding with the arrival of Bd in Australia. Notably, we demonstrate successful cross-species amplification of 21,077 (43.6%) polymorphic loci in three closely related anurans, highlighting the array's broader utility beyond P. corroboree. This tool represents a valuable resource for investigating the genetic basis of disease resistance and developing management strategies for improving reintroduction outcomes in P. corroboree, while also providing a foundation for advancing conservation genomics in other amphibian species.

Molecular Ecology ResourcesVol. 26(3)
Australian National University (AU), The University of Melbourne (AU), James Cook University (AU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 37%
Amphibian and Reptile Biology
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.