Highly polymorphic microsatellites for the study of the round-eared bat, Tonatia silvicola (d'Orbigny)

摘要

Improving knowledge of the ecology, behavior and habitat requirements of vertebrate rainforest species has become an urgent issue due to destruction and fragmentation of their habitat. Bats, especially phyllostomids, have been shown to be particularly sensitive to habitat disturbances (Fenton et al. 1992; Medellin et al. 2000). They are also important for the conservation, maintenance and rejuvenation of rain-forest itself, serving as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect predators. Tonatia silvicola is a widely distributed phyllostomid bat which roosts in hollow, active termite nests. It is a highly specialized gleaner, utilizing very small homeranges in the understory (Kalko et al. 1999). The latter suggests this species may be particularly susceptible to the effects of habitat fragmentation and deforestation. As is the case with most vertebrate species, a greater understanding of the social system and population genetic structure of Tonatia silvicola would facilitate any conservation effort (Clemmons and Buchholz 1997; Caro 1998; Gosling and Sutherland 2000). We have initiated just such a study, using a combination of behavioral, ecological and molecular techniques. As a part of this project, we have developed seven microsatellite-specific primer pairs for Tonatia silvicola.