Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for identifying hybridization and genetic pollution associated with red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Fourteen microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from a microsatellite enriched genomic library obtained for the invasive red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans (TSE). All but one locus conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and none displayed linkage disequilibrium. The number of alleles ranged from 5 to 17 with observed heterozygosity values ranging from 0.26 to 0.96 for 23 individuals collected from its native range in the Mississippi River drainage. These markers will be useful in characterizing TSE populations and invaded populations of other Trachemy s and could aid in the development of conservation management policies for invasive TSE.