Exome capture of Atelopus varius and Atelopus zeteki from Panama
Using tissue samples collected before and after the Bd outbreak in Panama, we use whole exome sequencing to 1) evaluate the population genetic structure of historic A. varius and A. zeteki populations, 2) evaluate changes in genetic diversity and assess the relationship between contemporary and historic individuals and 3) test the hypothesis that some A. varius populations have rapidly evolved to resist or tolerate Bd infection. Our study presents a new genomic resource and the first genome scale sequence dataset for the critically endangered A. varius and A zeteki. We found a significant decrease in genetic diversity in contemporary (compared to historic) A. varius populations. We did not find strong evidence of directional allele frequency change or selection for Bd resistance, but we do suggest a set of candidate genes that are worth further study. Additionally, we found preliminary evidence of recent migration and gene flow in one of the largest persisting A. varius populations in Panama suggesting the potential for genetic rescue in this system. Finally, we propose that previous conservation units should be modified, as clear genetic breaks do not exist beyond the local, population level. Our data lay the groundwork for genetically informed conservation of these two species and advances our understanding of how imperiled species might be rescued from extinction.