Molecular DNA variation in Salamandra salamandra infraimmaculata from different habitats

Adults of the subspecies Salamandra salamandra infraimmaculata were collect ed in Tel Dan, Mt. Meron (central Galilee), and Mt. Carmel, the southern li mits of its distribution. Their lengths and weights were measured. Molecula r DNA variation between and within the populations was studied by the polym erase chain reaction (PCR) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA. Nineteen primers were examined, and seven were found,suitable for the (RAPD) PCR re action. Salamanders from semiarid habitats were significantly larger than t hose from a humid habitat. One to three; bands that were found in salamande rs from the semiarid habitats were absent from those from the humid habitat . Genetic variation was found between the two habitat types, but not betwee n the two populations from the semiarid habitats. Band sharing between sala manders from semiarid habitats was 94%, whereas that between habitat types was significantly lower (85-86%).