Development and characterization of 33 SNP markers for the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) using a genotyping-by-sequencing approach.

The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is an endangered wading bird distributed in northeast Asia. The population of G. japonensis is continuing to decline owing to the loss and degradation of habitats. In order to protect G. japonensis, we developed 33 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for this species using a genotyping-by-sequencing approach. The minor allele frequency ranged from 0.033 to 0.483, the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.067 to 0.833, the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.066 to 0.508, and the polymorphism information content ranged from 0.062 to 0.375. Among these SNPs, two loci showed deviations from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). The novel polymorphic SNPs can lay the foundation for future studies on evolution and conservation genetics of G. japonensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]