Discrimination of moor frog (Rana arvalis) and common frog (Rana temporaria) individuals using a RAPD technique

A method has been developed for discriminating between the common frog (Rana temporaria) and the moor frog (Rana arvalis) using either of two primers in RAPD analysis of DNA samples extracted from larval tail tips. These two frog species can be extremely difficult to distinguish morphologically at the egg clump and larval stages, which are very convenient stages for monitoring populations when there are conservation concerns. The adults need capture and detailed morphological examination to effect certain identification, this being particularly true for edge-of-range populations. The two primers also distinguished DNA samples of common toad (Bufo bufo), natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), pool frog (Rana lessonae) and the marsh frog (Rana ridibunda). Additionally, findings are reported for a third primer which distinguished, intraspecifically, between relatively closely located common frog (Rana temporaria) populations in southern England.