Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa: Aves)

We isolated and tested 16 microsatellite loci in black-tailed godwits from the Netherlands (Limosa limosa limosa), and from Australasia (subspecies melanuroides). One locus was monomorphic, two loci had null-alleles and one was significantly heterozygote deficient. The remaining 12 polymorphic loci had on average 7.9 alleles (range 5–11) and the mean expected heterozygosity was 0.69. No significant linkage disequilibrium between the loci was observed and all loci were autosomal. Fourteen loci were successfully cross-amplified in bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica).