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Endemism and species diversity are highly relevant to the global prioritization of conservation efforts.Amphibians,considered good indicators of ecosystem health,are experiencing population declines and many are approaching extinction globally and rapidly.Understanding the diversity of endemic amphibians in time and their distribution patterns are necessary for the development of integrative conservation strategies.We studied the diversity and distribution patterns of endemic amphibians in China based on a database of specimen collections,published literature,and field surveys.We also examined the relationships of species turnover at regional scales.Moreover,environmental constraints on patterns of endemic amphibians were presented.Finally,conservation hotspots were identified with a higher priority based on the centers of endemic amphibians.Our results illustrate the environmental explanations of species richness gradients and are to be beneficial for further exploration of the underlying mechanisms of distributional patterns of amphibians.This study may provide a valuable tool for identifying and conserving areas with high endemic biodiversity.