Diversity,consistency, and seasonality in parasite assemblages of two sympatric marine fish Pagrus pagrus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pagellus bogaraveo (Brünnich, 1768) (Perciformes: Sparidae) off the coast of Algeria in the western Mediterranean Sea

Various host characteristics (i. e., feeding habits, geographic distribution) and habitat characteristics (i.e., seasonality) influence the structure of parasite assemblages. To compare the parasite assemblages of hosts representatives of two genera of the same fish family, simultaneously occupying a geographic region, and to examine if seasonal variations influence parasite occurrence and abundance, we examined the parasite assemblages of two sympatric marine fish, Pagrus pagrus (n = 308) and Pagellus bogaraveo (n = 315) off the coast of Algeria in the western Mediterranean. Specimens were collected during summer and autumn over three consecutive years (2014–2016). Parasite assemblages were high in species richness and abundance. We compiled an inventory of 40 parasite taxa, including ectoparasitic monogeneans and crustaceans, and endoparasitic trematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans, and nematodes. Endoparasite taxa primarily consisted of adult gastro-intestinal parasites and long lived larval helminths. Information on the parasite community structure and seasonal variations in parasite populations of these two hosts from the Mediterranean is here provided. Observed patterns of composition, diversity, dominance, and similarity indicate an overall consistency in assemblage structure. Although each host species harbored distinct parasite communities, they shared a high proportion of parasite species suggesting similar use of a common local pool of parasites. However, most shared species did not contribute to structuring the assemblages. Seasonal patterns in parasite abundance were observed for both hosts, with peak prevalence, abundance, and diversity in autumn. Results suggest that, regardless of a common pool of parasites being available to sympatric species, several ecological filters over time, led to distinct, independent variations in the parasite assemblages in each species.     

青海发现的大狐蝠(Pteropus giganteus Brünnich)

1959年秋,中国科学院动物研究所工作人员在青海考察期间,在青海东部获得一个大狐蝠标本,经作者研究,暂订为大狐蝠(Pteropus giganteusBrunnich)。此种大狐蝠之在青海发现,不仅是我国兽类的一新纪录,而且在动物地理学上也是十分特殊的。     

Genetic variation at MHC, mitochondrial and microsatellite loci in isolated populations of Brown trout (Salmo trutta)

We have studied levels and distribution of genetic variation in nine isolated populations of Brown trout in NW Spain. In the present study, we have tried to test the importance of preservation of genetic variability for the survival of a set of isolated Brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations from the same river drainage. We screened genetic variation in three different markers, mitochondrial, microsatellites and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), presumed to be under different selective pressures. Overall, genetic diversity varied considerably across populations and the distribution of genetic variation was similar at MHC and microsatellites; highly polymorphic populations at the microsatellite loci were also highly polymorphic at the MHC. We also observed high levels of differentiation among populations. Although we found evidence suggesting that balancing selection has influenced the long term evolution of the MHC, genetic drift seems to have eroded the effect of selection, becoming the predominant evolutionary force shaping genetic variation in some of the smaller populations. Despite current lack of variation at the MHC, these small populations seem to have remained viable for a long time.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Paspalum notatum Flüggé (Poaceae)

Paspalum notatum is a forage grass recognized as one of the major constituents of the native grasslands in the New World. The knowledge of the genetic diversity and structure of P. notatum populations is fundamental for the conservation and germplasm management of this species. About 11 microsatellite markers were isolated from P. notatum and characterized in 25 accessions. The average number of alleles per locus was 7.9 and the PIC ranged from 0.36 to 0.89. The data demonstrated that the most of markers are suitable to detect polymorphism and to study the genetic diversity in the P. notatum species. Moreover, the transferability of these microsatellite were tested on other three congeneric species.     

Development and characterization of 11 polymorphic compound tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the Leisler’s bat, Nyctalus leisleri (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera)

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite marker loci were developed from a Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri) genomic enriched library. Assessment of the usefulness of these markers for population genetics studies of Leisler’s bats was carried out by screening 100 specimens sampled from eight locations in Ireland and two in Northeastern France. Both moderately and highly polymorphic marker loci were identified. Five to 28 alleles were found to be segregating per locus with observed heterozygosities values ranging from 28.4 to 94%. Initial evaluation indicates that these microsatellites will be useful for genetic based studies aiming, for instance, at parentage and population structure of Leisler’s bats.     

Characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the leopard coralgrouper (Plectropomus leopardus Lacepède)

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from a microsatellite DNA-enriched DNA library for the leopard coralgrouper (Plectropomus leopardus Lacepède, 1802), a popular food fish in the East Indies. These loci showed polymorphism information content ranging from 0.493 to 0.854, allele numbers ranging from 3 to 10, effective allele numbers ranging from 2.2 to 7.6, and observed and expected heterozygosities from 0.375 to 0.906 and 0.544 to 0.868 respectively. Thus, we expect that these markers will be useful for population genetic and breeding studies of the leopard coralgrouper.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Chinese pond turtle (Chinemys reevesii)

Eight novel polymorphic microsatellite loci developed from a microsatellite enriched genomic library, are presented for the Chinese pond turtle (Chinemys reevesii). We screened 30 individuals from three populations and detected high levels of polymorphism for all eight loci with the number of alleles/locus ranging from 7 to 17 (average = 10.88). The values of expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.703 to 0.920 and 0.321 to 0.966, respectively. These highly variable loci will provide a powerful molecular toolkit for studies of population structure, gene flow, and paternity assignment.     

Cross-species amplification of 44 microsatellite loci developed for Chaetodon trifascialis, C. lunulatus and C. vagabundus in 22 related butterflyfish species

Forty‐four microsatellite primers developed for three species of butterflyfish were cross‐tested against 22 related confamilial species. Amplification success and cross‐species transferability of these markers were moderately high. Between 24 and 37 loci were amplified successfully in each species, with a mean success rate per species of 71.7% (± 1.8 SE). Rates of amplification success were comparable among primers designed for the three source species, ranging from a mean success rate per species of 16.9 loci (± 0.8 SE) for Chaetodon trifascialis source loci to 13.7 loci (± 1.5 SE) for C. vagabundus source loci. Polymorphism rates were high (76.1%± 3.1 SE of all successfully amplified loci), and 10 loci were polymorphic in all successfully amplified species (Tri14, B11, C5, D3, D113, D6, D117, D120, D111, D118). The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from 2 to 8, and the average number of alleles across all polymorphic loci and all species was 3.6 (± 0.07 SE). Polymorphism rates were higher overall in primers designed for C. vagabundus (89.9%± 3.9 SE). Overall cross‐testing success was lowest for Heniochus chrysostomus, the most phylogenetically divergent species. The significant cross‐testing reported here provides a valuable resource that will enable population genetics studies to be undertaken on a range of butterflyfishes without the need for expensive and time‐consuming de novo microsatellite development.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci from the Malagasy endemic,Tina striata Radlk. (Sapindaceae)

We isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Malagasy endemic, Tina striata Radlk. (Sapindaceae). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6 (N = 28 individuals). Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.132 to 0.767 and observed heterozygosity from 0.154 to 0.800. These markers will be valuable in estimating outcrossing rates and genetic variation in populations of T. striata, and aid in the conservation of populations of T. striata and other closely related species in the Malagasy Sapindaceae.     

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Few useful microsatellites are available for population studies of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). An enrichment strategy was used to develop microsatellite markers for O. nubilalis, and over 500 positive clones were isolated. Seventy-five contained unique microsatellites, 10 of which were polymorphic with discernable polymerase chain reaction products. The 10 loci were surveyed for variability in 72 wild individuals from central Iowa. Five loci showed no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg proportions, and all were successfully cross-amplified in the related Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis. These loci represent a significant addition to microsatellites appropriate for population studies of O. nubilalis.     

Characterisation of 30 microsatellite loci for the Tehuelche scallop,Aequipecten tehuelchus (d’Orbigny, 1842) and their use for estimating demographic parameters relevant to fisheries management

Aequipecten techuelchus is an endemic scallop of the Argentine biogeographic province in the southwest Atlantic Ocean which supports a commercial fishery that has presented strong fluctuations since the 1960s. It is unclear if distinct localities constitute a single panmictic population. We used next-generation sequencing to obtain microsatellite loci that could be used to evaluate genetic diversity and differentiation among populations. We developed 30 polymorphic microsatellite loci, of which 13 meet the standard criteria required for population genetic analyses, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, not being linked and with a low frequency of null alleles. The described microsatellite loci were used to estimate relatedness and effective population size, and to test for recent and historic population bottlenecks. Our results suggest that the population of the Tehuelche scallop from San Román, Gulf of San José, Patagonia shows a relatively large effective population size, high levels of genetic polymorphism, low levels of inbreeding and no signs of recent or historic drastic population reductions. These preliminary results should be confirmed with larger sample sizes and the inclusion of other nearby populations.     

Helminths of the Black-Legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) and the Brünnich’s Guillemot (Uria lomvia Linnaeus, 1758) in Russkaya Gavan Bay,Severny Island,Novaya Zemlya Archipelago

Russian Journal of Marine Biology - This article provides results of a helminthological study of two seabird species, the Black-Legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) and the...     

Characterization of 21 microsatellite marker loci in the Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi)

Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi) is a dark furred lemur with white flanks living in the southern region of the eastern rainforest belt of Madagascar. This species is endangered due to habitat destruction primarily from deforestation. Twenty-one polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA derived from an individual from Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Population genetic parameters were estimated on 10 individuals each, from Andringitra National Park and the Vatoharana Forest in Ranomafana National Park.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Castanopsis chinensis Hance (Fagaceae)

Twelve novel microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from enriched genomic libraries of Castanopsis chinensis. Four previously reported microsatellites from Castanopsis cuspidata were cross-amplified in C. chinensis. Forty-two sample trees from a wild population were tested for polymorphism using a set of the 16 polymorphic microsatellites. The average allele number of these microsatellites was 4.6 per locus, ranging from 2 to 7. The ranges of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.262–1.000 and 0.238–0.818, respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected at five loci and no linkage disequilibrium was observed.     

Characterization of nine microsatellite loci for a globally vulnerable species, Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii)

Reeves’s Pheasant, Syrmaticus reevesii, is an endemic species of China. Due to habitat loss, poaching and human disturbance, its wild population has been decreased drastically and it is listed as a globally vulnerable species by IUCN/BirdLife/WPA (IUCN 2008). Here, we report nine new polymorphic microsatellite markers isolated from the Reeves’s Pheasant. The number of alleles per locus varies between four and fourteen, with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.349–0.776 (n  = 90). These polymorphic loci provide a valuable tool for future population studies that relate to the conservation of this pheasant.     

Isolation and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ark shell Scapharca subcrenata (Bivalvia: Arcidae)

The ark shell Scapharca subcrenata is an important fishery resource, but has been suffering from severe population decline due to the deterioration of the coastal environment and over-exploitation. To investigate the genetic variation and structure among populations of S. subcrenata, 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from 11 to 29 and the observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.400 to 0.923 and from 0.705 to 0.965, respectively. These microsatellites will help advance the investigation of the genetic population structure and genetic diversity in this species.