Characterization of microsatellite loci in the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni)

Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni) and tested for cross-amplification in multiple geographic groups of its sister species L. vulgaris. Genetic variation was characterized for 52 L. montandoni from two sites from Poland and Romania, reflecting the geographic range of the species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 13 and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.20 to 0.87. Significant excess of homozygotes detected at two loci may suggest the presence of null alleles. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium between loci was detected. The cross-amplification success was variable, suggesting that the use of the markers developed in the present study may be limited to geographically restricted groups of the smooth newt.