Isolation and characterization of 13 microsatellite loci in Rhinolophus pusillus (least horseshoe bat) with cross-amplification in five related species

We used the enriched genomic library method to isolate and characterize dinucleotide microsatellite loci in the least horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus pusillus. Seventeen loci were obtained and tested on 31 individuals sampled from Guangxi Province in southern China. Thirteen of these markers were polymorphic with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.821 to 0.909. A total of 164 alleles were detected and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 9 to 16 (mean 12.6). These polymorphic markers will be used to assess population structure in R. pusillus. In addition, successful cross-amplification in five congeneric bat species suggests most of these markers will also be useful for studying related species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the western long-fingered bat, Miniopterus magnater

We isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the western long-fingered bat, Miniopterus magnater. These loci were tested on 48 individuals from Anhui Province of China, and all loci were highly polymorphic. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 13.6 (range from six to 27). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.364 to 0.957, and from 0.676 to 0.951, respectively. After Bonferroni correction, four loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphic markers will be used to examine population structure and genetic diversity in this species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the long-fingered bat Miniopterus fuliginosus

We isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the long-fingered bat Miniopterus fuliginosus. These loci were tested on 48 individuals from Anhui Province of China, and all loci were highly polymorphic. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 13.6 (range from six to 27). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.364 to 0.957, and from 0.676 to 0.951, respectively. After Bonferroni correction, four loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphic markers will be used to examine population structure and genetic diversity in this species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the flat‐headed bat (Tylonycteris pachypus)

Microsatellite loci were developed in the flat‐headed bat (Tylonycteris pachypus) from genomic DNA using an enriched library method. Nine loci were tested on 48 individuals sampled from Guangxi Province, China. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 6.4 (range 4–12). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.24 to 0.83 and from 0.30 to 0.89, respectively. One locus revealed significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no significant linkage disequilibrium was detected between loci pairs. These markers will be used to examine genetic structure and parentage analysis in this species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Pratt’s Leaf-nosed Bat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hipposideros pratti</Emphasis>) and cross-species amplification in closely related taxa

We developed nine microsatellite loci using an enriched library method from the genomic DNA of Pratt’s leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros pratti). These loci were tested on 96 individuals sampled from Sichuan Province, China. The number of alleles per locus varied from 4 to 14. The expected and observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.513 to 0.886 and from 0.375 to 0.966, respectively. Three microsatellite loci departed significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). No linkage disequilibrium was found. These microsatellite loci will be used in studies of conservation genetics in this species.     

Development and characterization of 13 novel microsatellite loci from the flat-headed bat (Tylonycteris pachypus) with cross-species amplification in closely related taxa

13 novel microsatellite loci was isolated using the enriched library method from genomic DNA of the flat-headed bat (Tylonycteris pachypus). These loci showed high levels of genetic polymorphism testing on 54 individuals sampled from Guangxi province, China. The number of observed alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 15. The expected and observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.170 to 0.900 and from 0.185 to 0.944, respectively. One loci departed significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni correction and no Linkage disequilibrium was found between any pairs of loci. In addition, these loci were tested in the sister species, Tylonycteris robustula, seven loci amplified successfully and were also polymorphic.     

Extremely variable di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in Brazilian free‐tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis)

We present three dinucleotide and six tetranucleotide microsatellite loci that were developed for the Brazilian free‐tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae). Ninety‐one individuals from two populations were scored at each locus, revealing extremely high levels of polymorphism (15–55 alleles per locus). These loci provide genetic markers for studying gene flow, migration and mating behaviour.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

We describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 12 microsatellite loci from the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), including one dinucleotide, four trinucleotide and seven tetranucleotide loci. The primers were tested on 78 individuals from a Pacific population nesting in the Hawaiian Islands. The primer pairs developed in this study yielded an average of 8.33 alleles per locus (range of 3-15 alleles), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.668 (range 0.309-0.910), and an average polymorphic information content of 0.647 (range 0.287-0.894).     

Development and characterization of novel microsatellite markers from the Chinese rufous horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus sinicus) with cross-species amplification in closely related taxa

We isolated nine polymorphic microsatellite markers from the Chinese rufous horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus sinicus) using an enriched library method. We assessed genetic polymorphism at these loci in 42 individuals from a single population. We recorded high genetic diversity with four to 17 alleles per locus, and estimated expected and observed heterozygosity values ranging from 0.492 to 0.910 and from 0.462 to 0.881, respectively. No locus departed from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium following Bonferroni correction, and no linkage disequilibrium was detected. Most loci successfully cross-amplified congeneric species. These loci will be used to characterize phylogeographical history of Rhinolophus sinicus in China.     

Novel microsatellite markers for the saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus (Aves: Passeriformes)

We have developed eight high-quality microsatellite DNA loci for the saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow and one additional locus with evidence of null alleles. In a sample of 250-350 individuals, the average number of alleles per locus was 14.7 and average observed heterozygosity was 0.80. These loci were tested in three additional species of emberizid sparrows, indicating that more than half of the loci could be useful in other sparrows.     

Microsatellite markers for eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

We describe polymerase chain reaction primer pairs and reaction conditions for amplification of 15 microsatellite loci from eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). The primers were tested on 23 individuals from a natural population in southwestern North Carolina, USA. These primers yielded an average of 5.9 alleles per locus (range of 2-14), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.45 (range 0.14-0.73), and an average polymorphic information content of 0.54 (range 0.28-0.86). In addition, eight of the primer pairs were found to amplify microsatellite loci in one or more additional species of Tsuga.     

Development and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from Rafinesque's big-eared bat, Corynorhinus rafinesquii

We developed and characterized 15 microsatellite markers for Rafinesque's big-eared bat, Corynorhinus rafinesquii. In a population from Tennessee, the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 13 and observed heterozygosities were 0.35 to 0.97 per locus. These loci will provide appropriate variability for estimation of population connectivity, demographic parameters, and genetic diversity for this species of concern.     

Development of 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the intermediate horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus affinis (Rhinolophidae, Chiroptera)

The intermediate horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus affinis) is a widespread species in Southeast Asia. We developed 19 novel microsatellite loci from an enriched genomic library of the bat, and tested their polymorphism using a single population from Guangdong province, southern China. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 15 per locus with the expected and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.397 to 0.920 and 0.280–0.926, respectively. Three markers significantly deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg expectations after Bonferroni correction and no linkage disequilibrium was detected in any of loci. These microsatellite loci will be useful in studying the phylogeography of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of 22 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)

We describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 22 microsatellite loci from the Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica). The primers were tested on 27 individuals from a population breeding in British Columbia, Canada. The developed primer pairs yielded an average of 6.11 alleles per locus (range 2-12), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.70 (range 0.07-0.96) and a polymorphic information content of 0.07-0.88.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci for the littorine snail Bembicium vittatum

We describe the isolation and development of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the intertidal snail Bembicium vittatum (Gastropoda: Littorinidae). The loci were tested in 46 individuals from a single population situated near the centre of the species distribution. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was detected between any pair of loci. However, two loci showed significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 15.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the European subterranean termite,Reticulitermes santonensis Feytaud

We report on the identification and characterization of two dinucleotide, two trinucleotide and eight tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the European subterranean termite Reticulitermes santonensis. We tested the loci on 51–92 individuals from 46 colonies from different regions of France. Eleven loci were polymorphic with 2–8 alleles per locus and low observed heterozygosities (0.10–0.48). We also tested the loci on 17–20 individuals from 10 colonies in the closely related North American species R. flavipes and found significantly more alleles (2–9 alleles per locus) and higher observed heterozygosities (0.15–0.80) than in R. santonensis. The lower observed heterozygosities in R. santonensis are consistent with higher levels of inbreeding in these colonies due to the presence of numerous inbred replacement reproductives.     

Isolation and characterization of 12 tetranucleotide repeat microsatellite loci from the green‐backed tit (Parus monticolus)

From a partial genomic library enriched for GATA short tandem repeats, we developed 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the green‐backed tit (Parus monticolus). We characterized these loci by genotyping 30 adult individuals with unknown relationship. The number of alleles ranged from four to 17 per locus (mean = 9.3 alleles) and the observed heterozygosity for each locus ranged from 0.633 to 0.933 (mean = 0.789). All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Four of 66 possible pairwise comparisons between loci showed significant gametic disequilibrium.     

Population and Genetic Consequences of Hurricanes for Three Species of West Indian Phyllostomid Bats

Strong hurricanes can cause population reductions in West Indian birds and bats, but the genetic consequences of such reductions have not been documented. For three species of phyllostomid bats, we report on the genetic effects of three strong hurricanes that struck the northern West Indies in 2004. Hurricane Ivan devastated Grand Cayman and severely depressed populations of several bat species. Despite being smaller than pre-hurricane levels, the population of Artibeus jamaicensis (the only species we could resample) on Grand Cayman contained greater mitochondrial haplotype diversity but similar microsatellite allelic diversity compared to pre-Ivan levels. We suggest that hurricane-aided dispersal from Cayman Brac introduced two new haplotypes into the Grand Cayman population. In the Bahamas, two other phyllostomids ( Erophylla sezekorni and Macrotus waterhousii ) did not suffer population losses or changes in genetic diversity as a result of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Our results suggest that strong hurricanes usually have greater demographic than genetic effects but that hurricane-aided dispersal can occasionally introduce new genotypes or haplotypes into island bat populations.     

Twelve microsatellite loci for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

We describe 12 microsatellite loci isolated from lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). The number of alleles at these loci ranged from two to 11 with an average of 5.3 alleles per locus. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.29 to 0.76, with an average of 0.68. Accidental (or illegal) introductions of lake trout into watersheds are decimating native trout populations in the northern Rocky Mountains, and these loci will be useful for identifying the source of these introductions and for estimating the number of founding individuals.     

Cross-amplification and characterization of microsatellite loci for the Neotropical orchid genus Epidendrum

In this study we tested the cross-amplification of 33 microsatellite loci previously developed for two closely related Neotropical orchid genera (Epidendrum and Laelia). A set of ten loci were polymorphic across five examined species (20 individuals each) with 2 to 15 alleles per locus. The mean expected and observed heterozygosity (average across species) ranged from 0.34 to 0.82 and from 0.27 to 0.85, respectively. In addition we tested all loci in 35 species representative of the genus Epidendrum. Of these, 26 loci showed successful amplification. Cross-application of these loci represent a potential source of co-dominant markers for evolutionary, ecological and conservation studies in this important orchid genus.