Development of microsatellite markers for the near threatened eagles Harpia harpyja and Morphnus guianensis using next-generation sequencing

We isolated and characterized 11 microsatellite loci for Harpia harpyja using the IonTorrent PGM. The loci were validated in 22 Harpia harpyja and 16 Morphnus guianensis individuals. Ten of the loci were variable in H. harpyja, ranging from two to six alleles per locus. Seven of the loci were variable in M. guianensis ranging from two to six alleles per locus. Genotypes did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectation, and no linkage disequilibrium was observed. These markers have a promise to provide an important resource for genetic population studies, conservation and monitoring of these two near threatened accipitrid species.