Design and application of a genome-wide SNP array to improve
conservation outcomes in the Critically Endangered southern corroboree
frog
Abstract
Species-specific genomic information has the potential to transform
modern conservation management strategies through improved genomic
impact 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 a custom 50K
SNP array for Pseudophryne corroboree, a critically endangered amphibian
threatened by the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis, Bd) and illustrate its application in characterising the
species’ genomic architecture. 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. Our analysis of this population
revealed evidence of ancestral inbreeding, the presence of two historic
bottlenecks occurring approximately 100 and 10 generations ago, with the
latter coinciding with the arrival of Bd to Australia. We also
demonstrate the array’s cross-species amplification potential,
successfully converting 21,077 (43.6%) polymorphic loci across three
closely related anurans. This array is a valuable resource for future
investigations aimed at understanding the genetic basis of disease
resistance and developing management strategies for improving
reintroduction outcomes in P. corroboree.