The mitochondrial control region of the black howler monkey, Alouatta caraya (Primates, Platyrrhini), and the development of new primers

The analysis of polymorphic genetic markers is necessary to assess the genetic variability of natural populations in order to develop effective conservation strategies. However, the molecular genetic variability of most neotropical primates is not well known. Therefore, we describe 13 primers for the amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial control region that were developed for Alouatta caraya. Six of these primers gave unique bands on four other platyrrhine species (Alouatta palliata, Ateles paniscus, Ateles belzebuth and Saimiri boliviensis) showing their utility for control region amplification and sequencing in these platyrrhine species.