Studies on conservation and genetic diversity in an endangered frog species Odorrana ishikawae

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Odorrana ishikawae is listed as a class BI endangered species on IUCN Red List and protected by law in Okinawa and Kagoshima Prefectures, Japan. In an effort to help preserve this endangered species, we tested a farming technique involving the artificial breeding of frogs and also promoted natural breeding in the laboratory. We also conducted morphological comparison, mtDNA analysis, and crossing experiment, with the purpose of clarifying the degree of differentiation between the Okinawa and Amami populations. The results showed that the Okinawa and Amami populations are clearly differentiated both genetically and morphologically, and also reproductively isolated by complete hybrid inviability or abnormal spermatogenesis. These two populations can be regarded as different species. Thus, we have described the Amami population as a new species O. splendida.