Development and characterization of new microsatellite loci in the Otton frog (Babina subaspera) and cross-amplification in a congeneric species, Holst’s frog (B. holsti)

The Otton frog (Babina subaspera) and Holst’s frog (Babina holsti) are both endangered sister species belonging to family Ranidae. For extensive genetic and ecological research of these species, we isolated and characterized 8 new microsatellite loci of the Otton frog and validated cross-amplification in Holst’s frog along with 8 previously reported loci. The total number of alleles and the expected heterozygosity of newly isolated loci in the Otton frog population ranged from 5 to 12 and from 0.620 to 0.905, respectively. We also confirmed cross-amplification in 4 of the new loci and in all previously reported loci in Holst’s frog with the same level of polymorphism as the Otton frog. Our findings suggest that these novel loci will be applicable for conservation genetic studies across varying scales.