Characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Baja California endemic black‐tailed brush lizard Urosaurus nigricaudus

Seven microsatellite loci were developed for the Baja California endemic black‐tailed brush lizard Urosaurus nigricaudus, using an enriched genomic DNA library. All loci were polymorphic and overall presented high levels of variation. Number of alleles ranged from five to 16 (average 12.14), and observed heterozygosities from 0.535 to 0.923 (average 0.752). Cross‐species amplification was successful and polymorphism was detected for all the loci using the congeners Urosaurus lahtelai and Urosaurus ornatus. These markers will be useful to study fragmented populations of U. nigricaudus on agricultural landscape of the Baja California Peninsula.     

Characterization of 21 microsatellite marker loci in the prehensile‐tailed skink (Corucia zebrata)

Twenty‐one polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the genome of the prehensile‐tailed skink (Corucia zebrata). The markers were screened using a set of 16 individuals from the collection of the Philadelphia Zoo. The corresponding characterization indicated significant levels of heterozygosity and information potential for use in future studies. These markers will be a valuable tool in analysing the paternal contributions in twin birth questions and for population genetic studies in wild populations.     

Factors Influencing the Selection of Basking Perches on Cardon Cacti by Spiny-Tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura hemilopha)1

The selection of optimal basking perches to achieve preferred body temperatures and avoid predation risks is one of the most important behavioral decisions that a lizard makes. We studied perch selection by the spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) in Baja California Sur where they bask on elevated cacti. The more important factor determining cardon selection by iguanas was the presence of old woodpecker holes which could be used as refuges within the top 50 cm of a branch. Other factors are the height of the cardon, the presence of some other holes and the number of branches of the plant. These data suggest that predation risk is the strongest factor affecting the selection of certain cardons as basking structures by spiny-tailed iguanas. Because the holes are mainly old woodpecker nests, the choice of a cardon as a refuge-perching site has to be related to a prior selection by woodpeckers.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the black spiny tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) and their cross-utility in other Ctenosaura

We isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Mexican black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) and assessed levels of polymorphism in sampling sites located in the northern areas of the species' distribution range. Two to 19 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.15 to 0.96 were detected. These markers will be useful to describe population genetic structure, the extent of gene flow in contact zones, to study the mating system of the species and to address conservation genetics issues. Additionally, we evaluated the potential utility of these markers for studies of other species within the genus Ctenosaura (i.e. C. hemilopha, C. similis and C. oaxacana).     

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.     

Characterization of nine microsatellite loci on endemic kangaroo rats Dipodomys simulans peninsularis from southern Baja California Peninsula

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated to investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on gene flow and genetic variation of the peninsular kangaroo rat Dipodomys simulans peninsularis on agricultural landscape from the Baja California Peninsula. The markers had an average of 9.11 alleles per locus (range 2–14), with mean observed and expected heterozygosities 0.646 (range 0.333–0.900) and 0.788 (range 0.284–0.932), respectively. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was found across pairs of loci, and only one locus exhibited evidence of null alleles.     

Characterization of 27 microsatellite loci in the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis

The flat oyster Ostrea edulis is native to Europe and populations have been severely depleted by the parasite Bonamia ostreae since the 1980s. Additional genetic markers are required to improve population genetics study and linkage map development for selection for B. ostrea-resistance in this species. Here, we characterized 27 novel microsatellite loci for O. edulis. Number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 25 and observed heterozygosity between 0.375 and 1. Null alleles were suggested at a few loci but most loci were in Hardy-Weinberg agreement enabling their reliable use in further population and mapping genetics approaches.     

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci for parentage assessment in the lance‐tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata)

The lance‐tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) is a lek‐breeding bird from Central America in which males court females with complex cooperative displays. To resolve detailed patterns of paternity in the wild, we isolated and characterized 12 novel microsatellite loci in this species. Eleven of these loci were polymorphic (five to 14 alleles), with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.36 to 0.87 (N = 574 individuals). We tested for linkage disequilibrium using randomized subsamples of adults to control for known family structure among long‐lived and sedentary individuals. These loci will be valuable in resolving paternity among many candidate fathers in this species.     

Characterization of 11 microsatellite marker loci in the Malagasy big‐headed turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis)

The Malagasy big‐headed turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis) is the only Erymnochelys species living in lakes, rivers and watersheds of western Madagascar. This species is endangered due to over harvesting of natural populations for human consumption. Eleven nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA library derived from a free‐ranging Malagasy big‐headed turtle from the Beroboka Classified Forest, Madagascar. Population genetic parameters were estimated on 10 individuals sampled from Ampijoroa and Andranohobaka River, Madagascar, to determine marker utility and as preliminary baseline values to study future populations in these locations.     

The highly polymorphic microsatellite markers for the greater long‐tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton)

We isolated 25 dinucleotide microsatellite loci from the greater long‐tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton) populations in North China. We developed the amplification conditions of polymerase chain reaction for producing high‐resolution genetic markers for each locus. We found 10 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic in 90 individual hamsters from three areas of North China, and the number of alleles in each locus varied from three to 11. These markers are potential tools for studying the genetic variation of the natural populations of this species.     

A set of highly discriminating microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus

We describe here the cloning of 12 (7 dinucleotide, 1 trinucleotide and 4 tetranucleotide) microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus. When tested for individuals from five different island populations on the Galápagos archipelago, high genetic diversities (9–20 alleles per locus) and heterozygosities (0.200–0.944) were observed. All loci showed no obvious deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The new set of microsatellite loci was able to assign individuals reliably to their island of origin, thus being able to discriminate between residents and migrants between islands.     

Characterization of 20 microsatellite marker loci in the red‐bellied brown lemur (Eulemur rubriventer)

Twenty nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA library derived from a free‐ranging red‐bellied brown lemur (Eulemur rubriventer), from the Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Population genetic parameters were estimated as baseline values from samples collected from populations harboured in the Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks. The marker suite will be used in a future study on the population dynamics of this species.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus

We developed a set of six polymorphic microsatellite loci for the woodlouse, Porcellionides pruinosus. We screened 43 individuals from three French populations and found that locus‐specific allelic diversity ranges from 3 to 17 alleles (mean = 9.8) and observed heterozygosity ranges from 0.51 to 0.89 (mean = 0.77). These are the first microsatellites loci reported from the woodlouse.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare

The common pill bug, Armadillidium vulgare, is known to harbour two distinct strains of the feminizing proteobacteria Wolbachia. In order to study the effect of the presence of Wolbachia on the evolution of A. vulgare populations, we developed and characterized a set of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci from two microsatellite‐enriched genomic libraries. We screened 48 individuals from three French populations and found high genetic variation. Locus‐specific allelic diversity ranged from four to 28 and observed heterozygosity from 0.40 to 1.00, which indicates that these markers can be used to conduct population genetic studies in A. vulgare.     

Characterization of six microsatellite loci in Echium vulgare (Boraginaceae)

Echium vulgare is a tetraploid plant with a very low selfing rate in the field. We suspect that cryptic self incompatibility plays a role in this species. In order to show lower success of self pollen/selfed embryos, after pollination with a mixture of self and outcross pollen, a paternity analysis has to be done. For the purpose of such analysis we developed microsatellites in E. vulgare. In this study, we report on six microsatellite loci which are easy to score, polymorphic, with a number of alleles per locus ranging from two to eight and, therefore, suitable for paternity analysis.     

Novel microsatellite loci for the study of the black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapillus)

We identified 14 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in the black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapillus). We also attempted to amplify and genotype these loci in other Vireo species, including the white‐eyed vireo (Vireo griseus), red‐eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), and blue‐headed vireo (Vireo solitarius). In 33 genotyped black‐capped vireos from two locations, total alleles ranged from six to 20, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.58 to 0.91 and expected heterozygosity from 0.65 to 0.93. Two loci had detectable levels of null alleles. Many of the loci were able to be amplified in the related Vireo species.