Characterization of ten microsatellite marker loci in the Komodo Monitor (Varanus komodoensis).

Brenneman, Rick A.; Barber, Robert C.; Huebinger, Ryan M.; Sommer, Julie A.; Louis Jr., Edward E.

The Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis) is a classic example of a species that has been fragmented into small isolated populations over a limited range. This species, classified as endangered under Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species. We describe 10 novel species-specific microsatellite loci characterized in representatives from three of the endemic island populations. One locus, 12HDZ820 appears to be fixed in one population at an allele size not found in the other two. This microsatellite suite should be helpful in augmenting the marker selection currently available for Komodo Monitor population studies.

MICROSATELLITE repeats; GENETICS; GENETIC markers; KOMODO dragon; REPTILES; ENDANGERED species; WILDLIFE conservation; ENDEMIC animals; INTERNATIONAL trade

Conservation Genetics, 2007, Vol 8, Issue 4, p1017

1566-0621

Academic Journal

10.1007/s10592-006-9230-x