Characterization and cross-species amplification of microsatellite markers in African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans).

We tested the cross-amplification of eight microsatellites developed for Bengalese finch in African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans). In order to develop resources for conservation genetic studies in the species L. cantans, we tested the amplification success and polymorphism in eight previously developed microsatellite loci, in L. cantans. All eight microsatellite markers were successfully amplified, of which all were polymorphic, with 3 to 9 alleles and an expected heterozygosity (HE) ranging from 0.606 to 0.718. On average, there were 5.25 alleles/locus and a mean HE of 0.6456. These eight polymorphic markers could be of potential use in studies of genetic variability, population structure, and reproductive strategy of African Silverbills. The markers tested should be useful for population and conservation genetic studies in this genus, and, in particular, for species closely related to the source species, L. cantans.