Microsatellite characterisation and sex-typing in two invasive parakeet species, the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus and ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri

Abstract

Invasive species can have wide-ranging negative impacts, and an understanding of the process and success of invasions can be vital to determine management strategies, mitigate impacts and predict range expansions of such species. Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are both widespread invasive species, but there has been little research into the genetic and social structure of these two species despite the potential links with invasion success. The aim of this study was to isolate novel microsatellite loci from the monk parakeet and characterise them in both monk and ring-necked parakeets in order to facilitate future investigations into their behaviour and population ecology. Sex-typing markers were also tested in both species. Of the 20 microsatellite loci assessed in 24 unrelated monk parakeets, 16 successfully amplified and were polymorphic displaying between 2 and 14 alleles (mean = 8.06). Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.93 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.23 to 0.96. Nine of the 20 loci also successfully amplified and were polymorphic in the ring-necked parakeet, displaying between 2 and 10 alleles. Suitable markers to sex both species and a Z-linked microsatellite locus were identified. A multiplex marker set was validated for monk parakeets. These novel microsatellite loci will facilitate fine and broad-scale population genetic analyses of these two widespread invasive species.Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Fine‐scale genetic structure reflects limited and coordinated dispersal in the colonial monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus

“…We used 26 microsatellite markers optimized in six multiplexes (for details see Table ). These markers were: Mmon01, Mmon02, Mmon03, Mmon04, Mmon05, Mmon06, Mmon07, Mmon09, Mmon10, Mmon11, Mmon13, Mmon14, Mmon15, Mmon16 (Dawson Pell et al, 2020), MmGT012, MmGT090, MmGT054, MmGT060, MmGT046, MmGT105, MmGT030, MmGT071, MmGT057 (Russello et al, 2007), TG03‐002 and TG05‐046 (Dawson et al, 2010), and CAM‐20 (Dawson et al, 2013). PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and allele scoring protocols were the same as those followed in Dawson Pell et al (2020).…”

“…For details of blood sample storage and DNA extraction see Dawson Pell et al (2020). We used 26 microsatellite markers optimized in six multiplexes (for details see Table S1).…”

Sex and Age Effects on Monk Parakeet Home-Range Variation in the Urban Habitat

“…On capture, we determined the age of the birds (juveniles or adults) based on molt patterns and capture history [32]. We also obtained a blood sample that allowed us to sex the birds molecularly (see Dawson-Pell et al [28]).…”

“…However, similar to other parrot species, no detailed data is currently available on its home-range size. The monk parakeet is sexually monomorphic, but we use specifically developed genetic methods [28] to sex our birds and to analyze for sex specific home-range patterns. Data on home-range variation and movements is later used to delineate strategies for the control of the species.…”

Cooperation and conflict in the building and maintenance of the compound nests of monk parakeets <i>Myiopsitta monachus</i>

“…Monk parakeets cannot be sexed reliably from their morphology so observations were collected blind to sex, which was determined subsequently by molecular genetic means. Blood samples (maximum 100 µl) were extracted from the brachial or jugular vein during ringing and birds were sexed using the sexing marker Z002B (Dawson 2007, Dawson Pell et al 2020. JC Senar received special authorization (001501-0402.2009) for the handling of animals in research from Servei de Protecció de la Fauna, Flora i Animal de Companyia, according to Decree 214/1997/30.07.…”