SREL Reprint #3161

Isolation and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana) and their applicability to other crane species

Kenneth L. Jones1,4, Jessica R. Henkel2,3, Jerome J. Howard3, Stacey L. Lance4,
Cris Hagen4, and Travis C. Glenn1,4

1Georgia Genomics Facility and the Department of Environmental Health Science,
University of Georgia, Riverbend North, Room 129, 110 Riverbend Rd., Athens, GA 30602, USA
2Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
3Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
4Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

Abstract: Fourteen microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana) and genetic variability assessed from 45 captive reared individuals. Allele numbers detected at each locus ranged from 2 to 6, the highest seen for this species. Mean observed heterozygosity varied from 0.04 to 0.79. These markers were then successfully amplified for two nonmigratory populations of Sandhill Crane [Florida (Grus canadensis pratensis) and Missisippi (Grus canadensis pulla)], underscoring their utility for the conservation of threatened crane species.

Keywords: Cranes, Grus americana, Grus canadensis, Microsatellite DNA, PCR primers

SREL Reprint #3161

Jones, K. L., J. R. Henkel, J. J. Howard, S. L. Lance, C. Hagen, and T. C. Glenn. 2010. Isolation and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana) and their applicability to other crane species. Conservation Genetics Resources 2010(2): 251-254.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).