APPLICATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA BARCODING (16S rRNA AND COI GENES) FOR SPECIES IDENTIFICATION OF FROGS COLLECTED FROM VINH MARKET, NGHE AN PROVINCE

Accurate identification of animal species originating from food markets is essential in trade monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable use of biological resources. In Vietnam, frogs are among the most widely consumed amphibians; however, information on the species composition of products sold in markets remains limited. This study applied DNA barcoding techniques to identify the species of three frog samples collected from Vinh Market, Nghe An Province, in December 2024. Total DNA was extracted from tissue samples, and fragments of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data revealed that all three samples belonged to Hoplobatrachus rugulosus (recognized in recent Chinese taxonomic literature as the valid name Hoplobatrachus chinensis). This species is widely farmed for commercial purposes and harvested from the wild. The findings provide valuable insights into frog species diversity in local markets and contribute to broader goals of wildlife trade monitoring, animal resource management, and the sustainable development of frog farming. Keywords: DNA barcoding; Hoplobatrachus rugulosus; COI; 16S rRNA; frogs