Isolation and characterisation of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the western ringtail possum, Pseudocheirus occidentalis

We report on the development of 14 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from the western ring-tail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis), a "threatened'' (Vulnerable) arboreal marsupial, endemic to the biodiversity hotspot region of south-west of Western Australia. The markers were developed to obtain population genetic data to quantify any changes which may be associated with increasing geographical fragmentation. We describe the diversity among 66 unrelated (adult) P. occidentalis individuals. Overall, the markers produced between three to eight alleles per locus and observed and expected heterozygosities of 59% and 69%, respectively. Due to predation by introduced foxes, urban encroachment changes in fire regime and the resultant levels of fragmentation in its range, these microsatellite markers are an important tool for evaluating population genetic information and for prioritising populations for conservation management.