Evaluation of Microsatellite Markers for Nutria, an Invasive Species in Japan

Abstract

　 The nutria (Myocastor coypus), also known as coypu, is a semi-aquatic rodent introduced to western Japan originally from South America. Knowledge of nutria genetics is needed to elucidate population structure and reproductive biology. This study determined if 27 nuclear microsatellite markers, developed based on nutria introduced to North America, could be used in invasive nutria in Japan. Twenty-two individuals, including four parents and 18 offspring, were used. Amplification success observed at 25 of the 27 loci, which indicated that the marker could be used for genetic analyses of nutria distributed in Japan..