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Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the critically endangered Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus
E G Gonzalez1, M Genovart, D Oro
1Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain, Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marquès 21, 07190 Esporles, Mallorca, Spain, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Mª Luisa s/n, 41080 Sevilla, Spain.
New microsatellite markers were developed for the endangered Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus). These genetic tools will aid in understanding population structure and hybridization with the Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan).
Area of Science:
- Conservation Genetics
- Avian Ecology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is a critically endangered seabird species.
- Understanding population structure and hybridization is crucial for effective conservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Balearic shearwater.
- To assess the utility of these markers for population genetic studies and interspecies hybridization analysis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of ten novel polymorphic microsatellite loci.
- Analysis of allele numbers and observed heterozygosity (H(O)).
- Testing cross-species amplification in the closely related Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan).
Main Results:
- Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were successfully identified in the Balearic shearwater.
- Low levels of polymorphism (H(O) = 0.377 ± 0.241) were observed.
- One locus showed evidence of W-linkage, and all loci amplified in the Yelkouan shearwater.
Conclusions:
- The developed microsatellite markers are valuable tools for studying the population genetics of the Balearic shearwater.
- These markers can help assess population structure and investigate hybridization between Balearic and Yelkouan shearwaters.
- This research contributes to the conservation efforts for these vulnerable seabird populations.
