Testing microsatellite loci for individual identification of captive African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus): a molecular tool for parentage analysis that will aid in monitoring legal trade

Abstract

Populations of wild African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are declining rapidly driven by the removal of individuals for the pet trade and accelerated habitat destruction and fragmentation. African Greys are currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red list and are on Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits all trade in wild-caught individuals. The demand for these parrots in the pet trade can, however, be met through legal trade in captive-bred birds. Determining which birds are captive-bred is often challenging. Genetic techniques have recently become established as a valuable tool in providing accurate information on the paternity of any offspring produced in captivity. Another advantage of using molecular data is that genotypes can also be used for measuring the genetic diversity and degree of relatedness within the captive population to prevent inbreeding. In this study, we test the utility of a suite of previously published microsatellite markers as a molecular tool for parentage analysis. The panel of 11 loci was found to have sufficient discriminatory power to be used in parentage assignment. In this study we present a set of markers that can be used with confidence to determine if a bird has been bred from captive parents and so can be legally traded. These molecular markers were also tested for use on low amounts of DNA extracted from feathers to aid law enforcement authorities to better control legal and illegal trade of this endangered parrot species.