Skin secretion and shedding is a good source for non-destructive genetic sampling in the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus).

A non-destructive method of collecting samples for DNA analysis of the Chinese giant salamander is described and validated. DNA was extracted from the skin secretion and shedding using a Chelex-based method, and partial 12S rRNA gene sequences were amplified and sequenced. Sequences from skin secretion and shedding were cross-checked against the reported sequences from liver and were found to be identical. This method provides a non-destructive way of carrying out larger studies of the genetics of rare amphibians and may be of general use for genetic-based field studies of amphibians.