Isolation and characterization of microsatellites markers for two South American frogs (Leptodactylus bufonius and L. chaquensis) using next generation sequencing

Abstract

Leptodactylus bufonius (Vizcacheras' white-lipped frog) and L. chaquensis (Cei's white-lipped frog) are pond-breeding frogs that inhabit the Chaco and surrounding savanna-like formations in South America. Throughout the Chacoan plain, the combined impacts of livestock and forestry practices have led to a highly fragmented landscape and an impoverished ecological system, threatening local species. We cloned and characterized new microsatellite markers for both species. These markers will be useful for behavioral and conservation genetic studies of populations throughout this threatened habitat.