Short amplicon microsatellite markers for low quality elephant DNA

摘要: Many elephant genetic studies have relied on non-invasively collected samples. To improve the success rate for microsatellite genotyping of degraded DNA, we redesigned primers to generate shorter PCR amplicon sizes. Twelve novel primer pairs successfully amplified DNA extracted from dung African forest and savanna elephants. The were significantly more effective at amplifying than original primers, especially in cases where size was 200 bp. improvement evident when poor quality. Most generated allele sizes that reduced by a consistent length relative primers. These may dung, museum specimens or ivory, contributing conservation.