Microsatellite DNA markers for the snow vole (Chionomys nivalis)

A total of 14 dinucleotide microsatellite loci were characterized in the snow vole (Chionomys nivalis). Allelic polymorphism across all loci and 28 individuals representing a single population in the Swiss Alps was high (mean = 10.1 alleles). No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci and no departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were found. These loci will be useful for describing mating systems and population structure and to investigate the genetic consequences of a species living in a highly fragmented habitat.