Using next generation sequencing to develop microsatellite markers for the endangered Grevy's zebra ( Equus grevyi).

Today the highly endangered Grevy's zebra ( Equus grevyi) inhabits only Kenya and Ethiopia. It is necessary to plan a conservation program that includes genetic management. However, there is little information on Grevy's zebra genetics until now. We developed 21 novel microsatellite markers for the Grevy's zebra using next-generation sequencing. Forty-one Grevy's zebra individuals in captivity were analyzed. The number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 2 to 9 (mean 4.6), 0.075-0.854 (mean 0.523) and 0.072-0.784 (mean 0.529), respectively. Cumulative probability of identity among siblings for all loci was 2.78 × 10. We developed the first microsatellite marker derived from the Grevy's zebra genome. These novel microsatellite loci will be useful to study in population genetics, individual identification and parentage studies for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]