Microsatellite Markers for Bearded Capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus): Transferability and Characterization

Natural Sapajus libidinosus populations are in continuous decline due to fragmentation, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade. They live in Caatinga scrub forests, which already lost over 50% of their original cover. The lack of studies on S. libidinosus population genetics means that we do not know how they are being affected by this striking habitat loss and other anthropogenic disturbances. Polymorphic markers are not available for the study of S. libidinosus diversity and population genetics. Thus, here we aimed to test the transferability of 14 microsatellite markers to S. libidinosus. These microsatellites were previously isolated from Cebus capucinus (white-faced capuchin), species belonging to the same subfamily (Cebinae) as the study species. We found that six of the tested microsatellite markers (tetra-nucleotide) were cross-amplified in our target species. All loci were polymorphic. The number of alleles varied from 4 to 7, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.588 to 0.869. The microsatellite markers transferred to S. libidinosus and characterised in our study will be valuable tools to evaluate the genetic variability of both wild and captive populations. They will considerably reduce the costs of microsatellite isolations, helping to prioritise currently limited research and conservation budgets in Brazil.

Automated summary

Natural populations of Sapajus libidinosus are declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and illegal pet trade. This study aimed to transfer 14 microsatellite markers from a related species to S. libidinosus, discovering that six of them were successfully transferrable and polymorphic in the target species. These markers will be valuable tools for evaluating genetic variability in both wild and captive populations, ultimately aiding in cost reduction for microsatellite isolations and conservation efforts in Brazil.