Microsatellite loci for the endangered growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), with cross amplification in other Australian frog species

Abstract

The growling grass frog, Litoria raniformis, was once abundant in south-eastern Australia but has suffered severe declines over the past 20 years. Here we describe nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for L. raniformis. Genetic variation was assessed in 59 individuals from Somerton, Victoria in south-eastern Australia. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 16. Cross amplification was assessed in ten other Australian hylid frogs. These microsatellite markers will be used to investigate impacts of urbanization on dispersal and gene flow in L. raniformis.