Isolation and characterization of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers for the white stork, Ciconia ciconia: Applications in individual-based and population genetics

The white stork, Ciconia ciconia, is a model species for studies of bird migration and behavior, but previously published genetic markers are not informative enough to perform individual-based genetic studies. Following discovery using next generation sequencing, 11 polymorphic markers were selected and tested in samples from two study sites. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2-10 with an average of 5.3. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.519 and 0.565 respectively. P_ID was adequately sensitive for population- and individual-based genetics studies. There was no significant evidence of allelic drop-out, null alleles, or other errors; one sample site deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for two loci, but no loci deviated in both samples, suggesting utility of these markers. These markers can be used to answer a range of ecological questions including those related to genetic diversity, degree of natal philopatry, and genetic mating strategies.