Development of a multiplex system for identifying individuals of Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

Abstract

Andean condor (Catharthidae) is considered a patriotic symbol in five Latin-American countries; despite this, it is endangered throughout entire region. Less than fifty Andean condors does exists in Ecuador, therefore activities that tend to estimate the genetic variability are considered extremely urgent. This work reports the first STR genetic identification system for this species, based in primer microsatellite sequences originally designed for the Californian Condor (Gymnogyps californianus).