A set of new and cross-amplifying microsatellite loci for conservation genetics of the endangered stone crayfish ( Austropotamobius torrentium )

Like other indigenous crayfish species in Europe, the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) is endangered due to habitat degradation, competition with invasive American crayfish and a deadly disease (crayfish plague) vectored by these invaders. To study the genetic diversity and connectivity of the remnant stone crayfish populations, eight new microsatellite loci were developed and supplemented by four cross-amplifying loci developed for related species. These twelve loci were tested for polymorphism in 130 stone crayfish from five streams in Switzerland. Variability was low with 1-7 alleles per locus, but the markers revealed strong genetic differentiation among streams. Use of these microsatellites will provide important information for the conservation and management of this endangered species