Characterization of 20 microsatellite markers in the plowshare tortoise, Astrochelys yniphora

The plowshare tortoise, Astrochelys yniphora, or Angonoka is one of Madagascar’s land tortoises, living in the vicinity of Baly Bay bamboo scrub in northwest Madagascar. Primary threats to this endangered species are due to poaching for pet trade and the loss and fragmentation of its natural habitat. The number of wild Angonoka is estimated to be ~400. Twenty polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA on individuals from Andrafiafaly in Baly Bay National Park, Madagascar. Results from this study will help for future studies of the social structure and population dynamics of this species as well as identification of confiscated individuals from the illegal pet trade.