Development and characterization of 27 SNP markers in the Mauremys mutica transcriptome

Asian yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List and recorded in the CITES Appendix II. The wild populations of M. mutica are extremely rare in China, while the main living resources are captive populations. The development of the molecular markers is very important for population identification, population conservation and scientific management of M. mutica. In this study, 27 novel SNP markers for M. mutica were discovered and validated. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0361 to 0.9277 and 0.0588 to 0.5004, respectively. Seven loci showed significant deviation from HWE and no significant linkage disequilibrium was found. These markers would be used in genetic studies helping conservation and management of M. mutica.