Population genetic differentiation and multiple paternity determined by novel microsatellite markers from the Mountain Log Skink (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii)

A total of 15 microsatellite primer pairs were developed from the Mountain Log Skink, Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii. Nine were used to screen 46 individuals from four populations, and a representative from P. spenceri and P. pagenstecheri. Seven of the loci exhibited large allele variation (16-30) and high heterozygosity (0.24-0.82), and the three populations were genetically differentiated. The markers were also used to screen 36 clutches of known maternity and identified high levels of multiple paternity clutches (57%). The primers developed will provide useful markers for the study of population biology and mating system of these lizards.