Complete mitochondrial genome of the Seoul frog Rana chosenica (Amphibia, Ranidae): Comparison of R. chosenica and R. plancyi

Abstract

Here, we have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the Seoul frog Rana chosenica (Amphibia, Ranidae), which is known as a Korean endemic species. It is listed as a vulnerable species by IUCN Red List and also an endangered species in South Korea. The complete mitochondrial genome of R. chosenica consists of 18,357 bp. Its gene arrangement pattern was identical with those of other Rana frogs. We compared the mitochondrial genome of R. chosenica with that of the Peking frog Rana plancyi that has been known closely related to R. chosenica. Nucleotide sequence similarity between the two whole mitochondrial genomes was 95.7%, and the relatively low similarity seems to indicate that the two species are distinctly separated on the species level. The information of mitochondrial genome comparison of the two species was discussed in detail.

Keywords::

• Complete mitochondrial genome
• Seoul frog
• Rana chosenica
• endangered species

Declaration of interest: The present work was supported by “The Genetic Evaluation of Important Biological Resources (No. 074-1800-1844-304)” funded by the National Institute of Biological Resources, Korean Government awarded to UWH. The authors heartily appreciate Mr Sang Gi Kim, Mr Dong UkYoo, and Mr Seong Jang Jo for collecting the Seoul frog sample used in this study. We also appreciate anonymous reviewers for providing valuable comments on the manuscript. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.