Development of eight microsatellite loci from the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) through GS-FLX pyrosequencing and cross-amplification with other species of the Litoria aurea species group

Abstract

A next generation sequencing approach was used to develop eight new microsatellite loci for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF) Litoria aurea. Microsatellite loci were developed from six individuals and tested on another 20. Genetic variation and heterozygosity was high in most loci (mean number of alleles per locus = 7.785; mean heterozygosity = 0.785375). Samples from six other closely related species L. cyclorhyncha, L. dahlii (Queensland), L. dahlii (Northern Territory), L. moorei, L. raniformis, Cyclorana australis and C. maini were also genotyped. While these markers will be useful for studies involving L. aurea their use in other closely related species will be limited.