Isolation, characterization and chromosome locations of polymorphic black-billed magpie Pica pica (Corvidae, AVES) microsatellite loci

One-hundred and two unique loci were isolated from a microsatellite-enriched black-billed magpie Pica pica genomic library. Sixteen of these new loci, along with 148 existing microsatellite passerine loci, were tested for polymorphism in four unrelated black-billed magpies. We identified a total of 43 unique polymorphic loci (10 and 33 respectively) that we characterized in 24 unrelated individuals from a population in Guadix, Spain. The putative chromosomal locations of loci polymorphic in black-billed magpie were assigned based on the location of their orthologues in the assembled zebra finch and chicken genomes.     

Characterization of 38 microsatellite loci in the European blackbird, Turdus merula (Turdidae, AVES)

We characterized 38 microsatellite loci in the European blackbird, Turdus merula. Thirty-seven loci were identified by testing 242 loci that had been originally isolated in other avian species. One additional locus was isolated from a European blackbird genomic library. All loci were characterized in 20-29 blackbirds from a population in the Czech Republic and displayed between two and 16 alleles, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 1.00. Thirty-seven loci could be assigned a chromosome location in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) genome based on sequence homology.     

Characterization of Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques) microsatellite loci and their cross-utility in other parrots (Psittacidae, Aves)

We characterized 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula eques). Loci were isolated from a Mauritius parakeet genomic library that had been enriched separately for eight different repeat motifs. Loci were characterized in up to 43 putatively unrelated Mauritius parakeets from a single population inhabiting the Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius. Each locus displayed between three and nine alleles, with the observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.39 and 0.96. All loci were tested in 10 other parrot species. Despite testing few individuals, between seven and 21 loci were polymorphic in each of seven species tested.     

Characterization of 20 microsatellite loci in the long‐tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus (Aegithalidae,AVES)

We characterized 20 microsatellite loci in the long‐tailed tit, Aegithalos caudatus. Polymorphic loci were identified by testing 114 loci that had been originally isolated in other avian species. The loci were characterized in 23–163 unrelated long‐tailed tits from a British population and displayed between two and 42 alleles, with observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.09 and 0.97.     

Microsatellite markers characterized in the barn owl (Tyto alba) and of high utility in other owls (Strigiformes: AVES)

We have identified 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the barn owl (Tyto alba), five from testing published owl loci and 10 from testing non‐owl loci, including loci known to be of high utility in passerines and shorebirds. All 15 loci were sequenced in barn owl, and new primer sets were designed for eight loci. The 15 polymorphic loci displayed two to 26 alleles in 56–58 barn owls. When tested in 10 other owl species (n = 1–6 individuals), between four and nine loci were polymorphic per species. These loci are suitable for studies of population structure and parentage in owls.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) and their variability in two other species (Lepisosteus oculatus and L. osseus) of Lepisosteidae

We report on the isolation of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci from alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), a large-bodied species that has experienced population declines across much of its range. These loci possessed 2-19 alleles and observed heterozygosities of 0-0.974. All loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations, and none exhibited linkage disequilibrium. Nine and eight of these loci were found to be polymorphic in the related species Lepisosteus oculatus and L. osseus, respectively. These microsatellite loci should prove useful in conservation efforts of A. spatula through the study of population structure and hatchery broodstock management.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)

Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) using enriched genomic libraries. Polymorphic loci revealed two to eight alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.21 to 0.77. These loci will be suitable for assessing current and historical patterns of genetic variability in yellow-eyed penguins.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field vole,Microtus agrestis,and their cross‐utility in the common vole,Microtus arvalis

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field vole, Microtus agrestis. The number of alleles ranged from five to 15 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. We also tested the microsatellite loci for amplification and polymorphism in the congeneric species Microtus arvalis. Five of the nine loci were successfully analysed in this species. The microsatellite markers will be employed in studies of reproductive success and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure.     

Development of conserved microsatellite markers of high cross-species utility in bat species (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera, Mammalia)

Comparative ecological and behavioural studies of the widespread and diverse Vespertilionidae, which comprise almost 400 of the 1100 bat species, have been limited by the availability of markers. The potential of new methods for developing conserved microsatellite markers that possess enhanced cross-species utility has recently been illustrated in studies of birds. We have applied these methods to develop enhanced microsatellite markers for vespertilionid bats, in particular for the genus Myotis (103 species). We compared published bat microsatellites with their homologues in the genome sequence of the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, to create consensus sequences that were used to design candidate primer sets. Primer sets were then tested for amplification and polymorphism in 22 species of bat from nine of the largest families (including 11 Vespertilionidae). Of 46 loci tested, 33 were polymorphic, on average, in each of seven Myotis species tested, 20 in each of four species in other vespertilionid genera, and two in 11 nonvespertilionid species.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) and their cross‐utility in related species

We isolated one trinucleotide and seven tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). We describe polymerase chain reaction conditions and primers for the successful amplification of these loci and report the results obtained from their use in 42 specimens from two populations in Europe. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 15, observed heterozygosity was comprised between 0.11 and 1.00 and expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.10 and 0.91. Cross‐specific amplification experiments highlighted the potential usefulness of these molecular markers for the study of three related scolopacid waders.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus

We describe the isolation and characterization of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. Microsatellite markers from three other rodent species were cross-amplified in muskrat and one of them was polymorphic. We observed moderate to high levels of genetic variability in these 13 polymorphic loci (five to 22 alleles per locus) with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.96. These markers will be useful for further studies on population genetic structure in muskrat and potentially in other rodent species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the gecko Gekko swinhonis and cross‐species amplification in other gekkonid species

Gekko swinhonis is a gekkonid lizard endemic to China, inhabiting Loess Plateau, Huabei Plain, Huanghuai Plain and areas north of the Yangtze River. We characterized 21 dinucleotide microsatellite loci from an AC/AG‐enriched genomic library of G. swinhonis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 24 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.160 to 0.834 and from 0.584 to 0.917, respectively. We also tested the utility of these loci in other Gekko and Hemidactylus species; many of these loci can be cross‐amplified.     

Characterization of 36 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) including two sex‐linked loci and their amplification in four other Charadrius species

We isolated 45 new Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) microsatellite loci. These were tested for polymorphism in 42 Kentish plovers breeding in the Çukurova Delta, Turkey. Thirty‐six of the 45 loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosity varying between 0.22 and 0.93. Genotypes of individuals of known sex indicated that two loci were sex‐linked (Calex‐26 is located on the Z chromosome and Calex‐31 on the W chromosome). Additionally, we tested all loci for amplification in four other species of Charadridae (Kittlitz's plover, Madagascar plover, three‐banded plover and white‐fronted plover). On average 34 loci amplified per species (range 29–36).     

Isolation and characterization of the first eight microsatellite loci in Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea, Amphipoda) and cross-amplification in Gammarus pulex and Gammarus orinos

We characterized the first microsatellite markers for Gammarus fossarum. Eight loci gave satisfactory amplification patterns in two stream populations (Southern France) with number of alleles ranging from 2 to 10 and expected heterozygosity from 0.076 to 0.857. We performed cross-amplification in two closely related gammarid species, Gammarus pulex and Gammarus orinos. Among the eight tested microsatellite loci, four correctly amplified in G. pulex and three in G. orinos.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Bornean treeshrews (Tupaia spp.)

In this study, we developed five microsatellite loci from an enriched genomic library constructed for the pygmy treeshrew (Tupaia minor), and adapted another two from a previous study on the common treeshrew (Tupaia glis), for use in studying mating and dispersal patterns in Bornean treeshrews. We screened 32 plain treeshrew (Tupaia longipes) and 54 large treeshrew (Tupaia tana) individuals at these loci. Polymorphism ranged from two to 13 alleles, and heterozygosity ranged from 0.29 to 0.88. These results indicate the general utility of these microsatellites for genetic analyses in other Tupaia spp.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from an EST library of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and cross‐species amplification

In the present study, we report 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci developed from a cDNA library from the turbot, Scophthalmus maximus. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.20 to 1.00 and from 0.18 to 0.78, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found, but two loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. Cross‐species amplifications of these microsatellites in five additional fish species revealed between five and 11 positive amplifications and between zero and four polymorphic loci per species.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci In The hihi Notiomystis cincta (Notiomystidae, Aves)

We have characterized 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the hihi Notiomystis cincta. Loci were identified by testing loci originally isolated in other avian species and by isolating new microsatellites from a hihi genomic library. These loci were characterized in unrelated hihi from a single population on Tiritiri Matangi Island (n = 98). Each locus displayed between two and 10 alleles, and observed heterozygosities ranged between 0.29 and 0.91. Nineteen of the 20 polymorphic loci could be assigned a chromosome location in the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata genome based on sequence homology.     

Isolation and characterization of 18 microsatellites in the Peking duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and their application in other waterfowl species

We have isolated and characterized 18 microsatellite loci in the Peking duck (Anas platyrhynchos). The average number of alleles per locus was 3.5, ranging from one to six in domestic Peking ducks (n = 40). All of the markers were polymorphic in a sample of five mallards (A. platyrhynchos; two to eight alleles). Seventeen of the 18 markers amplified in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) with 11 being polymorphic in our sample (n = 14). Amplification of the markers in different species comprising the subfamilies Anatinae and Anserinae indicates their potential value for population genetic applications in a wide range of waterfowl species.     

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci characterized in the house sparrow Passer domesticus (Passeridae,Aves)

We characterized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the house sparrow Passer domesticus. Four loci were isolated from house sparrow genomic libraries and 10 loci were identified by testing 100 loci that had been originally isolated in other passerine species. Loci were characterized in 37–54 unrelated sparrows from British and Norwegian populations. Each locus displayed between two and 31 alleles, with the observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.30 and 0.91.     

Microsatellite loci characterized in three African crane species (Gruidae, Aves)

Forty-three microsatellite loci originally isolated in Grus americana and G. japonensis were tested for polymorphism in the blue crane (G. paradisea). Amplified products were sequenced in the blue crane to aid in the design of blue crane-specific primers. When characterized in 20 unrelated blue crane individuals from South Africa, 14 loci were polymorphic, with each locus displaying between 2 and 7 alleles. Eight polymorphic loci were characterized in the grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) and ten in the wattled crane (G. carunculatus).