Cross-amplified polymorphic microsatellites for Campbell's monkey

Population genetic analyses are of considerable importance for conservation strategies to protect endangered primates. We tested microsatellites of human origin with an aim to understand the genetic diversity of a West African forest guenon, Campbell’s monkey, Cercopithecus campbelli. Twelve markers amplified successfully, were polymorphic and were inherited in a Mendelian fashion in a group of 4 individuals kept in captivity. These 12 markers were further amplified from 35 faecal samples collected in Taï National Park. These samples proved to originate from 18 free-ranging monkeys and showed that the 12 markers we developed for this species are polymorphic and suitable for future population genetic and parentage analyses.