Adaptation of microsatellite loci for the deer species complex (Mazama americana Erxleben, 1777)

Abstract

Stag deer is categorized as deficient data due to observed karyotypic differences leading to important taxonomic uncertainty. Despite its wide distribution, its habitat has been suffering from the fragmentation that limits the species to small and isolated populations. Such scenarios require genetic studies that assess gene flow, inbreeding and better characterize the remaining populations. For the study of genetic variability of populations, microsatellites are widely used, being one of the most polymorphic markers found in the genome today. Thus, in this work, microsatellite markers will be selected and tested for the American Mazama species complex, based on samples from all geographic distribution and genetic variants. (AU)