Balanoposthitis, dyspareunia, and treponema in the critically endangered Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii)

The Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) is one of Australia's most critically endangered mammals with a current estimated population of 70 individuals. Both the wild and captive populations have a long history of balanoposthitis with associated crusting, ulceration, and preputial discharge. We sought to identify the microbial species found in the discharge, determine their significance in causing balanoposthitis, and correlate these findings with reproductive success and survivorship. Bacteriologic examination revealed the discharge to be a polymicrobial infection involving Treponema spp., Actinobacillus spp., and Pasteurella spp. Preputial histopathology reported a moderate, chronic, erosive inflammatory response with diffuse, moderate to marked secondary epithelial hyperplasia in conjunction with moderate numbers of spirochetes, suggesting a causative relationship. Clinical examination, preputial biopsies, and serologic screening found no evidence of associated systemic disease. The clinical investigation of Treponema is significant with respect to the overall recovery of Gilbert's potoroo, given the clinical and histopathologic similarities to Treponema paraluis-cuniculi found in rabbits, causing dyspareunia, and the severity of the associated balanoposthitis.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci for the critically endangered cactus Ariocarpus bravoanus

Ariocarpus bravoanus is common in trade but critically endangered in its natural habitat. With the ultimate aim of developing a certification scheme to aid in the conservation of this species, we have isolated A. bravoanus microsatellites from a nonenriched library. Fifty-four sequences contained a microsatellite array, of which eight were polymorphic among 23 individuals, 20 from one population and three plants from trade.     

Using a species distribution model to guide NSW surveys of the long‐footed potoroo (Potorous longipes)

Knowledge of threatened species’ distributions is essential for effective conservation decision‐making. Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used to map species’ geographic ranges, identify new areas of suitable habitat and guide field surveys. In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, there are grave doubts about whether populations of the critically endangered long‐footed potoroo (Potorous longipes) remain extant, and identification of occupied sites is a high priority for its conservation. We used an SDM (Maxent) to identify regions in NSW that may have suitable habitat for the potoroo. The SDM was built with seven climate layers and had strong predictive performance (cross‐validated AUC = 0.94). We then combined this information on habitat suitability with vegetation and topography, to identify 58 survey sites across NSW. From April 2016 to May 2017, we undertook six field trips deploying six to eight cameras at each site for 52–63 days, resulting in 25 120 camera trap nights. A total of 215 759 images captured 43 native and feral animal species, but no long‐footed potoroos. Following the survey, newly available, independent presence and absence data were used to validate our model. A Kruskal–Wallis H test indicated that habitat suitability values were significantly higher at presence locations than absence locations (H = 58.66, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001). Finally, we refitted the Maxent model with the new data and identified additional regions that future surveys could explore. We conclude, however, that if the long‐footed potoroo remains extant in NSW, it is extremely rare.     

Isolation and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered shrub Disanthus cercidifolius var. longipes (Hamamelidaceae)

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from an AC-enriched genomic library of Disanthus cercidifolius var. longipes. Microsatellite polymorphism was investigated using 24 individuals from one natural population. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.17 to 0.92 and from 0.16 to 0.72, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellite loci provide useful tools for the ongoing population genetic studies of D. cercidifolius var. longipes.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered St. Vincent Parrot,Amazona guildingii

Microsatellite loci were isolated within the St Vincent parrot ( Amazona guildingii ), an endangered island endemic, from a GT_n enriched genomic library. Nine polymorphic loci were characterized varying from two to nine alleles per locus. Seven loci exhibited levels of heterozygosity ranging from 39 to 100% within the 28 individuals genotyped. Furthermore, the primers were demonstrated to cross‐amplify within four genera of Neotropical parrots, indicating the potential utility of these markers to further population‐level studies and conservation efforts of New World Psittacines.     

Further observations on the potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) in captivity

The maintenance and breeding performance of potoroos in captivity over a 7-year period is described. By removing offspring from the pouch and allowing 29 days for completion of embryonic development and birth to occur, pouch young of known ages can be obtained.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered grand spider orchid Caladenia huegelii (Orchidaceae)

The orchid genus Caladenia is species rich with many threatened and endangered taxa. We report on the isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the rare Caladenia huegelii for molecular evaluation of this and the closely related C. thinicola as part of the development of conservation initiatives. Eight di‐ and trinucleotide loci were screened using 30 samples from each species. All loci were highly variable, with similar levels of heterozygosity and number of alleles across both species. These markers will be highly informative for population studies in both species.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci for the endangered cactus Echinocactus grusonii, and their cross-species utilization

Echinocactus grusonii is common in trade but critically endangered in its natural habitat. With the ultimate aim of developing a certification scheme to aid in the conservation of this species, we have isolated E. grusonii microsatellites from a nonenriched library. Fifty-seven sequences contained a microsatellite array, of which 12 were polymorphic among 30 individuals from a single wild population. All 12 microsatellite primer pairs amplified product in one or more species in a screen of 27 other cactus species.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered Indian rhinoceros,Rhinoceros unicornis

Eleven novel polymorphic microsatellite loci are presented for the highly endangered Indian (or greater one horned) rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Rhinocerotidae). These will be used to analyse the genetic variability within and between the two remaining large populations of the Indian rhinoceros and to manage captive breeding.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in Tursiops aduncus

We describe the cloning and characterization of five highly polymorphic microsatellite loci cloned from aduncus dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from Western Australia. Five polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and tested on up to 350 animals, showing 7–23 alleles and expected heterozygosity values from 0.68 to 0.89. We also tested the loci on striped dolphins and franciscana dolphins, where we also found high levels of polymorphism (9–16 alleles in 102 striped, and 4–5 alleles in 13 franciscana dolphins). Considering that the cetacean genome is highly conserved, the characterized markers are likely to be useful in a number of cetacean population studies.     

Characterization of porcine polymorphic microsatellite loci

Twenty-seven (CA)_n and two (GA)_n microsatellite clones were isolated out of a size-selected genomic pig library. These were sequenced and the number of uninterrupted dinucleotides was found to range from 12 to 26. Flanking primers were chosen for 11 dinucleotide repeats and optimal conditions for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications were established. Different microsatellite loci were amplified simultaneously by combining primer sets. Related and unrelated pigs were screened for length polymorphisms of the different microsatellite loci. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of these loci ranged between 0.62 and 0.83. Segregation studies in pig reference families established Mendelian inheritance. Locus S0022 was found to be X-linked.     

Growth and role of the corpus luteum throughout delayed gestation in the potoroo, Potorous tridactylus

The growth cycle of the corpus luteum (CL) of the potoroo is similar to that of other macropodids. During delayed gestation, the post-partum CL remains quiescent until it is reactivated by removal of the sucking pouch young. The CL then undergoes a period of growth, rapid from Day 6 until Day 12, followed by a gradual decline from Day 21 to Day 27. Excision of the CL before Day 6 of pregnancy either inhibited embryonic development or failed to support it. Excision of the CL between 6 and 21 days after removal of pouch young did not prevent embryos developing to full term but interfered with parturition. Excision on Day 25 after removal of pouch young allowed birth but impaired lactation, neonates dying within 2 days. By Day 27, the CL appeared to be no longer essential for embryonic development, birth or neonate survival. It is suggested that the CL of the potoroo is required for a slightly greater proportion of pregnancy than in most larger kangaroos because the birth canal must be prepared before each parturition.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Yucca filamentosa

Yuccas and their pollinator moths are a textbook example of mutualism, yet we lack sufficiently variable markers to properly study the population genetics of the plants. We characterized 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Yucca filamentosa by screening primers derived from an expressed sequence tag database. We found four to 13 alleles per locus and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.31 to 1. These markers will be useful in future ecological studies of Y. filamentosa.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in neotropical Heliconius butterflies

The Heliconius butterflies offer exceptional opportunities for the study of the ecology and evolution of mimicry. Despite previous reports of difficulties in the development of microsatellite loci in Lepidoptera, we characterize 15 polymorphic loci in H. erato that show promise for genetic mapping and population studies in this and other species. Levels of variation were high, in both numbers and size ranges of alleles. The loci showed broad amplification success across the genus and in two other genera. All loci that amplified in a population of H. melpomene were polymorphic.     

Characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in an endangered tropical tree Hopea bilitonensis (Dipterocarpaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia

This study reports the isolation and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in an endangered tropical tree Hopea bilitonensis (Dipterocarpaceae). The primers were designed from a genomic library enriched for dinucleotide (CT) repeats and screened on 24 adult trees from a natural population. The number of alleles ranged from two to eight, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.042 to 1.000. These loci will allow mating system and population analyses to be carried out in this species.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in the Kaka,Nestor meridionalis

Eight microsatellite loci were characterized from the Kaka (Nestor meridionalis), a New Zealand parrot, using a polymerase chain reaction‐based isolation technique. Locus‐specific primers were used to genotype nine Kaka populations and tested on 25 other species of parrot. The number of alleles observed within Kaka ranged from one to 16 in the 12–126 individuals screened and two loci exhibited greater than 60% heterozygosity. Furthermore, these primers are likely to be useful in population‐level studies of two other New Zealand parrots.