Towards a Genetic Linkage Map of the California Condor, an Endangered New World Vulture Species

Simple Summary The California condor is a critically endangered representative of New World vultures maintained under restoration and reintroduction programs. Within a California condor genome research project, we made a preliminary step toward a genetic linage map for this iconic bird species. The respective linkage data were generated using a panel of 121 condors. The condors were genotyped for 123 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The condor genotyping and mapping results are a useful addition to the previously obtained physical and cytogenetic maps and can be further utilized in condor genome sequence assembly. The development of a linkage map is an important component for promoting genetic and genomic studies in California condors, an endangered New World vulture species. Using a set of designed anonymous microsatellite markers, we genotyped a reference condor population involving 121 individuals. After marker validation and genotype filtering, the genetic linkage analysis was performed using 123 microsatellite loci. This resulted in the identification of 15 linkage groups/subgroups that formed a first-generation condor genetic map, while no markers linked to a lethal chondrodystrophy mutation were found. A panel of polymorphic markers that is instrumental in molecular parentage diagnostics and other genetic studies in the California condor was selected. Further condor conservation genomics research will be focused on updating the linkage map and integrating it with cytogenetic and BAC-based physical maps and ultimately with the genome sequence assembly.

Automated summary

Scientists have made a preliminary step towards constructing a genetic lineage map for the critically endangered California condor. This research provides valuable information for genetic and genomic studies as well as conservation efforts for this iconic bird species.