Genetic Homogenization and Conservation Challenges Associated With Chinese Giant Salamander Release Programs: Insights From Environmental DNA

ABSTRACT Chinese giant salamanders (CGSs, Andrias spp.) are apex freshwater predators representing an ancient evolutionary group, but are now critically endangered. Although multiple species‐level lineages have recently been identified, their distributions remain poorly documented, hampering targeted conservation efforts. In response to wild population declines, over 200,000 captive‐bred individuals have been released into the wild, sparking considerable controversy regarding their potential to bolster wild populations or cause genetic pollution. In this study, we surveyed 43 sites across China and detected CGSs at 35 locations using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. However, genetic analysis revealed a dominance of the widely farmed species Andrias davidianus outside its natural range, indicating genetic homogenization in the wild. This raises concerns about the long‐term sustainability of CGS, as genetic uniformity in wild populations is associated with reduced diversity that potentially compromises adaptability and resilience. Our findings underscore the current challenges in CGS conservation, highlighting the importance of strategic conservation efforts that not only address population numbers but also prioritize the preservation of genetic diversity.