RAPD identification of north European water frogs

A technique for the identification of north European water frogs (Rana lessonae, R. ridibunda and R. esculenta) based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-amplification of DNA using random primers (RAPD) is presented. The method requires very small amounts (< 2 mg) of tissue and reliably distinguished the three types of frogs using samples taken from two widely separate localities (Britain and Poland). In addition, the primers distinguished the DNA of water frogs from that of a brown frog (R. temporaria) and from that of two toad species (Bufo bufo and B. calamita).