Development and characterization of 11 microsatellite loci in a historically introduced carnivoran, the common genet (Genetta genetta)

Microsatellite markers were developed to assess population structure and patterns of translocation in the introduced European common genet (Genetta genetta). Primer pairs were designed for 60 microsatellite sequences enriched for CA, GA, CATC and TAGA repeat motifs. Eleven loci that proved to be polymorphic were genotyped in 33 individuals from southwestern France. The number of alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities varied from three to seven and from 0.2121 to 0.7576, respectively. One locus (B103) showed significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, probably due to the presence of null alleles. Tests of linkage disequilibrium did not detect significant associations among loci.     

Isolation and characterization of 11 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon)

We report the isolation of 11 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon). In a sample of 27 individuals, we observed between 4 and 7 alleles per locus and their observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.37 to 0.85 and from 0.44 to 0.79, respectively. All genotypic frequencies conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations and there were no instances of linkage disequilibrium detected between pairs of loci.     

Early phases of a successful invasion: mitochondrial phylogeography of the common genet (Genetta genetta) within the Mediterranean Basin

The Mediterranean Basin, connected by cultural exchanges since prehistoric times, provides an outstanding framework to study species translocations. We address here the early phases of the successful invasion of the common genet (Genetta genetta), a small carnivoran supposedly introduced from Africa to Europe during historical times, by assessing mitochondrial nucleotide variability in 134 individuals from its native and invasive ranges. We identify four lineages within the native species range [northern Algeria, Peninsular Arabia, southern Africa and western Africa + Maghreb (including northern Algeria)], in contradiction with morphological taxonomy. We propose that the co-occurrence in Maghreb of two divergent lineages (autochthonous and western African) is due to secondary contact through intermittent permeability of the Saharan belt during the Plio-Pleistocene. Estimates of coalescence time and genetic diversity, in concert with other available evidences in the literature, indicate that the origin of European populations of common genets is in Maghreb, possibly restricted to northern Algeria. The autochthonous mitochondrial lineage of Maghreb was the only contributor to the European pool, suggesting that translocations were associated to a cultural constraint such as a local use of the species, which might have artificially excluded the western African lineage. Haplotype network and nested clade analysis (NCA) provide evidence for independent events of introductions throughout Spain (Andalucia, Cataluña, and the Balearic Isl.)—and, to a lesser extent, Portugal—acting as a ‘translocation hotspot’. Due to the reduced number of northern Algerian individuals belonging to the autochthonous mitochondrial lineage of Maghreb, it remains impossible to test hypotheses of historical translocations, although a main contribution of the Moors is likely. Our demographic analyses support a scenario of very recent introduction of a reduced number of individuals in Europe followed by rapid population expansion. We suggest that an exceptional combination of factors including multiple translocations, human-driven propagation across natural barriers, and natural processes of colonization allowed by a wide ecological tolerance, promoted the successful spread of the common genet into Europe.     

Geographical variation in genet (Genetta genetta L.) diet: a literature review

The geographical variation in the Genet Genetta genetta L. diet was analysed from 12 locations covering its entire range. Data were obtained from the available literature on food studies in this species. We studied the general food spectrum of this species and compared the importance of different prey items in each area through PCA analysis. The possible influence of some large-scale environmental factors (latitude, altitude, Mediterraneity) on diet were studied by means of regression analysis and anova . The study assessed the frequency of occurrence of each prey group and diet diversity. Results show the existence of two ‘food’ groups: (i) Genets which feed on a wide food spectrum, especially arthropods and (ii) Genets which feed on small mammals at a high frequency, while the remaining prey items are scarce or absent. At the intraspecific level, Genets behave as generalist species, with the small mammals (especially, the Woodmouse) as the most outstanding prey item. However, when compared with the diet of other medium-sized Palaearctic carnivores, we can say that the Genet is intermediate between typical generalists (Martens Martes spp., Red Foxes Vulpes vulpes and Badgers Meles meles) and specialists (Otters Lutra lutra, Stoat Mustela erminea and Weasel Mustela nivalis). Finally, anova shows the existence of a relationship between diet diversity and Mediterraneity (associated with taxa such as arthropods, reptiles and amphibians), but no relationship was found for latitude or altitude. The importance of interspecific competition, based on island data, is discussed.     

Isolation of 10 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

We isolated 10 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from the blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) and optimized them for future studies of population differentiation in populations with different migration strategies in southwestern Germany. The loci were screened for polymorphism using 178 individuals from two populations in Germany and Spain. The primers amplified highly variable loci characterized by two to 19 alleles per locus and their observed and expected heterozygosities range from 0.47 to 0.81 and from 0.50 to 0.91, respectively.     

Isolation of ten tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

We isolated 10 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) and optimized these for future studies in population genetics and behavioural ecology. The loci were screened for polymorphism using 107 individuals from one population in Germany. The primers amplified loci with high numbers of alleles ranging from two to 20 alleles per locus.     

Isolation and characterization of swift fox tetranucleotide microsatellite loci

Primers have been developed for nine polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the swift fox (Vulpes velox). These can be amplified in three multiplex reactions and all loci can be scored easily and without ambiguity. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 14 and the overall heterozygosities ranged from 0.54 to 1.00. All loci were in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, but two loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These loci will be used to monitor endangered swift fox populations on the Canadian prairies.     

Isolation of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the burrowing parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)

We isolated seven novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from the burrowing parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus) and optimised them for future studies of population differentiation and genetic variation. The loci were screened for polymorphism using 38 samples from wild individuals from three neighbouring colonies in Argentina. The primers amplified highly variable loci characterised by 3–10 alleles per locus and their observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.15 to 0.78 and 0.15 to 0.81, respectively. When we analysed 52 samples across Argentina and Chile, we found strong genetic differentiation between the Chilean and the Argentinean subspecies as well as significant differentiation between two geographically separated subspecies within Argentina. Our results indicate the suitability of these microsatellites for investigating further questions regarding the population genetics in this species.     

Isolation and characterization of 16 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

A total of 15 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda, Ailurus fulgens, were characterized in this study. Based on evaluations of 33 red pandas, the number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from seven to 17 and the expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.412–0.897 and 0.121–0.909, respectively. The mean polymorphic information content was 0.721. These markers would greatly strengthen the utilization of microsatellite tools in genetic variation studies in red panda populations.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the chestnut-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps)

We describe 18 microsatellite markers isolated in the cooperatively breeding chestnut‐crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps). The number of alleles ranged from seven to 16 per locus (mean N_a = 10.4 ± 0.54 SE) and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.732 to 0.889 (mean H_E = 0.836 ± 0.01 SE). Three of the 18 loci exhibited significant heterozygote deficiency, but the remaining 15 will be used to analyse population genetic structure and the mating system of this highly social species.     

Isolation,characterization and multiplex genotyping of raccoon tetranucleotide microsatellite loci

We have isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the raccoon (Procyon lotor). Three multiplex panels comprising the 12 loci were developed and 80 individuals from southeastern and western Ontario were genotyped; allele sizes were assigned without difficulty. One locus isolated was identified as an X‐linked marker. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 25 with the average heterozygosity ranging from 0.674 to 0.925. These loci will be used to characterize raccoon population structure across North America, and the data used to further understand the spread of raccoon rabies.     

Isolation and characterization of tetranucleotide repeat polymorphic microsatellite loci in Larus saundersi (Aves, Laridae)

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated, using tetranucleotide repeat oligonucleotide probes from an enriched DNA library of the globally "vulnerable" Saunders's gull (Larus saundersi), collected from the Yancheng coastal wetland, one of the three remaining breeding sites in China. Six breast muscle tissues and 16 blood samples from 22 gulls and eight eggshell membrane tissues were collected for this analysis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 15, with a mean of 8.9. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.58 to 0.89 and 0.58 to 0.9, with means of 0.77 and 0.81, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium and no divergence from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected among these loci. Based on Micro-Checker tests, no null alleles are present at any of the loci. The microsatellite loci described here will be valuable for exploring population genetic structure and for other relevant genetic studies of Saunders's gull.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Fire salamander Salamandra salamandra (Amphibia: Caudata)

Ten tetranucleotide and one dinucleotide polymorphic microsatellite loci were cloned and characterized for the Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) from 34 populations in Germany. A high genetic diversity (5–22 alleles per locus) and heterozygosity (40.6–95.2%) were observed for these markers. Chord distances for population comparisons of the western evolutionary recolonization lineage in the area near Cologne ranged from 0.139 to 0.366, whereas population comparisons between the western and eastern lineage ranged from 0.541 to 0.670. When compared with classical isolation methods, a sufficient number of polymorphic microsatellites can be obtained for the Fire salamander only from specially enriched sublibraries.     

Isolation and characterisation of microsatellite loci in the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga

Mischocyttarus cassununga, a primitively eusocial Brazilian wasp, commonly found in urban environments, is an interesting model for studies on the evolution of social behaviour in hymenopteran insects. In this study, we constructed a microsatellite-enriched genomic library and presented primers for 18 microsatellite loci. For the analysis, 20 unrelated females were screened and all loci obtained were polymorphic. PCR amplification revealed from 3 (Mcas5b) to 17 (Mcas53b) alleles per locus ( $ \overline{x} = 8.3 $ ). We detected the levels of observed (H _o) and expected (H _e) heterozygosities ranging from 0.150 to 0.950 and 0.261 to 0.920, respectively. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.238 to 0.915, averaging 0.680. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium was not detected after sequential Bonferroni correction (P?>?0.05). These molecular markers will allow further studies on sociogenetic structure, extensive population genetic analysis and diversity of M. cassununga and other Mischocyttarini species.     

Isolation and characterization of seven tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in mungbean,Vigna radiata

A simple and rapid method for isolating tetranucleotide microsatellites in mungbean, Vigna radiata, based on the 5′‐anchored polymerase chain reaction technique, revealed 15 microsatellite sequences. We report on the characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in V. radiata. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.561. Tetranucleotide markers are useful because they amplify fewer stutter bands thus making scoring easier. These markers will be useful for detecting genetic variation in mungbean varieties for germplasm management and development of the crop.     

Polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Hwamei (Garrulax canorus canorus) (Timaliidae)

Eight polymorphic tetrarepeat (GATA)_n, microsatellite loci were isolated from a babbler, Hwamei (Garrulax canorus canorus). We evaluated the polymorphism of these microsatellite loci by genotyping 36–48 individuals from the Asian mainland. The number of alleles for each locus ranged from eight to 29. The heterozygosity was between 0.587 and 0.978. Except for one locus, genotype frequencies of these microsatellites did not significantly deviate from the Hardy–Weinberg expectation. These markers should be useful for monitoring potential hybridization between different Hwamei subspecies and provide new insights into the mating system and geographical differentiation of these birds.