Molecular DNA variation among <em>Triturus vittatus vittatus</em> (Urodela) from different breeding sites at the southern limit of its distribution

Abstract

Molecular DNA variation among Triturus vittatus vittatus (striped newt) from different breeding sites at the southern limit of the species distribution (where environmental conditions are most extreme) was studied by the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method that has been found to be appropriate for other Triturus species. Altitudes of the localities ranged between 15-740 m a.s.l. Of the 20 primers employed, OPA-16 was the only one suitable for T. vittatus, revealing a different band pattern for different populations. Genetic similarity was calculated by band sharing, which demonstrated a high similarity among the Israeli populations.