Population genetic analyses are of considerable importance for conservation strategies to protect endangered primates. We tested microsatellites of human origin with an aim to understand the genetic diversity of a West African forest guenon, Campbell's monkey, Cercopithecus campbelli. Twelve markers amplified successfully, were polymorphic and were inherited in a Mendelian fashion in a group of 4 individuals kept in captivity. These 12 markers were further amplified from 35 faecal samples collected in Taï National Park. These samples proved to originate from 18 free-ranging monkeys and showed that the 12 markers we developed for this species are polymorphic and suitable for future population genetic and parentage analyses.
Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.