Development of microsatellite loci for two New World vultures (Cathartidae)

Objective

Use next-generation sequencing to develop microsatellite loci that will provide the variability necessary for studies of genetic diversity and population connectivity of two New World vulture species.

Results

We characterized 11 microsatellite loci for black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and 14 loci for turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). These microsatellite loci were grouped into 3 multiplex panels for each species. The number of alleles among black vulture samples ranged from 2 to 11, and 3 to 48 among turkey vulture samples.