Keywords
genetic diversity
microsatellites (SSR)
How to Cite
Abstract
The pygmy marmoset (Callithrix pygmaea) is one of the most specialized Ecuadorian primate species. Its high specialization in habitat and diet, and the increase of human activities in the Amazon region may cause pygmy marmosets to go through population bottle necks, losing genetic diversity. To estimate the magnitude of this threat, since 2008 we carried out a pilot study for evaluating the genetic diversity of four wild groups of this species in a population located on the margins of the Aguarico river. For the genetic analyses we used 50 fecal samples collected from September 2008 to February 2009; 50% of the samples belonged to group P4, groups P1, P2 and P5 provided the remaining 50%. We extracted DNA from the feces using the QLAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit (QIAGEN). With PCR we amplified 9 microsatellite primers reported for a related species of Callitrichinae. DNA bands were visualized in polyacrylamide (6 %) and urea (5M) gels. Statistical analyses were carried out with GenAlEx 6 software. Three to eight alleles were found per locus. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test suggested that inbreeding may be occurring in group P4. Expected heterocigocity in groups P1 and P2 is 0.5, while in group P4 ranges from 05. to 0.836. Nei"™s genetic distance between groups P1 and P2 is 1.211, whereas group P4 differs 0.612 and 0.485 from groups P2 and P1, respectively. This is the first study of this type for this species in Ecuador and elsewhere, the results point out the need to evaluate human impact on the genetic diversity of Ecuadorian species.
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