Nineteen polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Sistrurus c. catenatus

Abstract

Conservation genetic analyses can aid in the management of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Sistrurus c. catenatus, which is currently in decline throughout its range. To this end, we designed primers that amplify 19 novel microsatellite loci that are highly variable. Based on genotypes from 27 adults from a single population in Ohio, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 13 and observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.370 to 0.963 and 0.425 to 0.883, respectively. These loci will be useful for conservation and population genetic analyses in this endangered snake.