Study On The Breeding Ecology Of Hynobius Guabangshanensis

Hynobius guabangshanensis (Urodela: Hynobiidae) was described as a new species from Hunan province by Sheng et. al. (2004). The purpose of this study is to explore the general habit and breeding behavior, species features, give an insight into this new species, and lay the groundwork for future study of origin, evolution, protection, utilization. The morphologic characteristics, distribution and quantitative characteristics, habitat, life habit and breeding behavior were observed in this study. Moreover, the microstructure and ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoa were examined using microscope and electron microscope techniques. The following results were obtained.The male, differs from female in having a swollen qloaca and a conic protuberance on the front of the cloaca.Both population quantity and geographic region of H. guabangshanensis are distinctly reduced recently and applicable protective measures are pressing for designing accordingly.Universal laws of seasonal activities and breeding period of H. guabangshanensis the breeding behavior have beendescribed and compared with other congeners. The courtship of Hynobiidae {Hynobius guabangshanensis) was reported for the first time.The spermatozoa of H. guabangshanensis share synapomorphy with other memenbers of Hynobiidae such as the clover-shaped acrosome without acrosomal barb, absence of mitochondrion in the tail and cylindric axial fibre, developed nuclear ridge. The length of spermatozoa differs from other species of Hynobiidae and other families of Urodela significantly.