Nine microsatellite markers for the Australian side-necked turtle Chelodina expansa (Chelidae) and cross species amplifications

Nine microsatellite DNA loci for the Australian broad-shelled freshwater turtle (Chelodina expansa) are presented. Markers were tailed with 20-mer oligonucleotides for use in four-colour fluorescent multiplex PCRs. The markers show high allelic richness (mean NA = 10.9, range 2–38) and expected heretozygosity (mean HE = 0.643; range 0.161–0.963) indicating that they will be valuable for population genetics studies in C. expansa. Cross-species amplification in three Australian freshwater turtle species further highlights the potential utility of these markers, particularly in the side-neck species C. longicollis and C. rugosa.

► The freshwater turtle Chelodina expansa is considered at risk in part of its range. ► Population genetics of the species requires investigation for management. ► Nine new microsatellite markers are presented. ► Markers are moderately to highly polymorphic and used in Multiplex PCR. ► Markers are also valuable in Chelodina longicollis and Chelodina rugosa.