Microsatellite Markers in Amphibian Conservation Genetics

Recent technical advances allow straightforward access to genetic information directly drawn from DNA. The present article highlights the suitability of high variation molecular genetic markers, such as microsatellites, for studies relevant to amphibian conservation. Molecular markers appear particularly useful for i) measuring local gene flow and migration, ii) assigning individuals to their most likely population of origin, iii) measuring effective population size through the between-generation comparison of allele frequencies, and iv) detecting past demographic bottlenecks through allele frequency distortions. We demonstrate the use of some newly developed analytical tools on newt (Triturus sp.) microsatellite data, discuss practical aspects of using microsatellites for amphibians, and outline potential future research directions.