Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Japanese endangered land snail Mandarina

Researchers have developed 23 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the endangered land snail genus Mandarina, found exclusively in the Ogasawara Islands. These markers enable non-lethal genetic analysis of three species: M. mandarina, M. chichijimana, and M. suenoae, with varying degrees of usability (15, 12, and 9 markers respectively) for multiplex PCR. The study addresses critical knowledge gaps in the genetic diversity and population structure of Mandarina, which is nearly extinct in the wild due to invasive predators. By providing robust genetic tools, this work supports ex situ conservation efforts initiated in 2010, offering a foundation for targeted breeding programs and monitoring strategies to preserve these vulnerable species.

Nishida, S., Mimura, K., Mori, H., & Chiba, S. (2022). Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Japanese endangered land snail Mandarina. BMC Research Notes, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06147-4