Microsatellites loci reveal heterozygosis and population structure in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) of Mexico

• Published in: Revista de biología tropical Vol. 62; no. 2; pp. 659 - 669
• Main Authors: Romero-Nava, Claudia, Leon-Paniagua, Livia, Ortega, Jorge
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: 01.06.2014
• Subjects: Chiroptera; Desmodus rotundus; Phyllostomidae
• ISSN: 0034-7744

A limited number of studies have focused on the population genetic structure of vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in America. This medium-sized bat is distributed in tropical areas of the continent with high prevalence in forested livestock areas. The aim of this work was to characterize the vampire population structure and their genetic differentiation. For this, we followed standard methods by which live vampires (caught by mist-netting) and preserved material from scientific collections, were obtained for a total of 15 different locations, ranging from Chihuahua (North) to Quintana Roo (Southeast). Tissue samples were obtained from both live and collected animals, and the genetic differentiation, within and among localities, was assessed by the use of seven microsatellite loci. Our results showed that all loci were polymorphic and no private alleles were detected. High levels of heterozygosis were detected when the proportion of alleles in each locus were compared. Pairwise F sub(ST) and R sub(ST) detected significant genetic differentiation among individuals from different localities. Our population structure results indicate the presence of eleven clusters, with a high percentage of assigned individuals to some specific collecting site.Original Abstract: Muy pocos trabajos se han enfocado en el estudio genetico de las poblaciones de vampiro (Desmodus rotundus) en America. Este murcielago de tamano mediano se encuentra distribuido en las areas tropicales de America, con una gran prevalencia en zonas de ganaderia. La recolecta de tejidos se realizo mediante redes de niebla y en con ejemplares de colecciones, estas dan un total de 15 localidades. Mediante el uso de siete microsatellites, nosotros estudiamos la diferenciacion genetica dentro y entre localidades muestreadas, estas fueron desde Chihuahua en el norte, hasta Quintana Roo en el sureste. Todos los loci fueron polimorficos y no se encontraron alelos privados. Se encontraron altos niveles de heterocigos cuando se compararon la proporcion de alelos en cada locus. Comparaciones pareadas de F sub(ST) y R sub(ST) mostraron una diferenciacion genetica entre los individuos de las diferentes localidades. Los resultados de estructura genetica indican la presencia de once clusters, con un alto porcentaje de asignacion de los individuos a las localidades en donde fueron recolectados.