Characterization of microsatellite loci in the Blue-and-gold Macaw, Ara ararauna (Psittaciformes: Aves)

Microsatellite loci were isolated from the Blue-and-gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), a Neotropical parrot, from a GT(n) and CTn enriched genomic library. Six loci were characterized varying from one to 11 alleles per locus. Five loci exhibited greater than 50% heterozygosity within the 49 individuals genotyped. Furthermore, the primers also amplified the DNA from two additional genera of Neotropical parrots, indicating the potential utility of these markers for population-level studies and conservation efforts of Neotropical parrots.