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In this report we describe the development and characterization of six dinucleotide microsatellite loci for the ring-tailed lemur ( Lemur catta). The new markers were isolated from the genomic DNA of L. catta and all loci were found to be polymorphic when evaluated by genotyping a minimum of 34 individuals. Mendelian inheritance of each locus was verified using four families of captive ring-tailed lemurs. The loci presented will facilitate the genetic survey of free-ranging L. catta, enabling study of their social organization and mating patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of habitat and poaching have led to a drastic reduction in numbers of the Sumatran rhinoceros ( Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). To aid in the conservation management of this species, we isolated and optimized 10 polymorphic Sumatran rhinoceros microsatellite loci. A survey of six individuals yielded a mean number of alleles of 3.7, mean expected heterozygosity of 0.551 and probability of identity of 3.46 × 10−8. Although this estimate is similar to estimates of microsatellite variability in the Black, Indian and White rhinoceroses, such a conclusion is premature as locus purity, sample size and number of loci surveyed vary significantly among studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here 10 new microsatellite markers for the mongoose lemur ( Eulemur mongoz), nine of which were isolated from E. mongoz and one from Lemur catta. At least 60 individuals were genotyped for each of the 10 loci. Mendelian inheritance at each locus was tested by genotyping five captive families with known pedigrees. All loci were polymorphic and demonstrated simple Mendelian inheritance. The microsatellite markers presented here will be useful for genetic surveys of wild E. mongoz, to gain insights into the genetic background of the captive population, and to aid in the conservation of the species’ genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum simum) has suffered severe reductions in population size over the last 150 years as a result of overhunting. We optimized 10 southern white rhinoceros microsatellite loci and tested them on 30 individuals from the largest remaining population of this species. Five of the 10 loci were polymorphic with mean expected heterozygosity of 0.578, mean polymorphic information content of 0.481 and mean number of alleles 2.8. Although these data suggest low genetic variability in C. s. simum, an accurate comparison of variability awaits results of ongoing broad-scale microsatellite surveys in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]