Abstract
Galápagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis nigra ssp.) are widely known for both the role played in evolutionary theory and their precarious conservation status. Thirteen nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated and tested on 60 individuals from Cinco Cerros, Isabela Island. The mean number of alleles per locus was 5.5 (range between 2 and 12) while mean observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.417 and 0.426, respectively. A single marker statistically deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These markers represent a valuable addition to the molecular tools available for studying the taxonomic affiliation and relatedness of individuals in captive management plans, crucial for the maintenance of several subspecies.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 773-776 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Conservation Genetics Resources |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2012 |
Keywords
- Chelonoidis nigra
- Galápagos Islands
- Galápagos tortoise
- Genetic markers
- Microsatellites
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Genetics