Characterization of microsatellite markers from capybaras, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Rodentia: Hydrochoeridae)

Fourteen microsatellite loci were isolated from capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), which are large, diurnal social rodents that occur in the wet savannas of South America. Five of these loci were monomorphic. The remaining nine loci were polymorphic (two to seven alleles per locus), with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.063 to 0.800 (n = 17 animals). The latter loci provide a valuable tool for assessing patterns of parentage and kinship within capybara social groups.