Development and characterization of twenty microsatellite markers for Phelsuma inexpectata (Squamata: Gekkonidae), a critically endangered gecko endemic to Reunion Island

Abstract

Background

The Manapany day gecko (Phelsuma inexpectata) is endemic to the south of Reunion Island. Threatened by habitat fragmentation and loss, human activities and invasive species, P. inexpectata is considered as critically endangered. Conservation measures are required but data on the species are missing, notably on its genetic diversity and population structure for which no specific markers are available to date. Here, we aimed to develop molecular markers to allow genetic studies of P. inexpectata.

Methods and results

We developed and characterized 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers based on 23 P. inexpectata individuals sampled from 10 sites. Then, the markers were tested on a total of 101 individuals, 30 from a natural site and 71 from an anthropized site. The mean values of Na, Ho and He were 2.3 (± 0.2), 0.353 (± 0.053) and 0.345 (± 0.046) in the natural site and 2.8 (± 0.3), 0.345 (± 0.051) and 0.338 (± 0.048) in the anthropized site, respectively. Based on the combined loci, the probability of identity (PID) for unrelated specimens were 2.7 × 10–7 and 2.6 × 10–7 in the natural and anthropized site, respectively.

Conclusions

This work provides the first set of microsatellite markers for P. inexpectata, constituting a valuable tool to conduct classical genetic studies on the species, such as estimating genetic diversity, population structure and kinship relationships among individuals. Such studies will provide relevant information on P. inexpectata and will therefore be helpful in the implementation of conservation measures for this threatened species.