Testing of microsatellite multiplexes for individual identification of Cape Parrots (): paternity testing and monitoring trade.

Background: Illegal trade in rare wildlife species is a major threat to many parrot species around the world. Wildlife forensics plays an important role in the preservation of endangered or threatened wildlife species. Identification of illegally harvested or traded animals through DNA techniques is one of the many methods used during forensic investigations.

Molecular systematics of the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus): implications for taxonomy and conservation.

The taxonomic position of the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus robustus) has been the focus of much debate. A number of authors suggest that the Cape Parrot should be viewed as a distinct species separate from the other two P. robustus subspecies (P.

The allometry of parrot BMR: seasonal data for the Greater Vasa Parrot, Coracopsis vasa, from Madagascar.

In this study we examined the allometry of basal metabolic rate (BMR) of 31 parrot species. Unlike previous reports, we show that parrots per se do not display BMRs that are any different to other captive-raised birds of their body size. An ordinary least squares regression fitted the data best and body mass explained 95% of the variation in BMR.

Twenty-two polymorphic microsatellite loci aimed at detecting illegal trade in the Cape parrot, Poicephalus robustus (Psittacidae, AVES).

Twenty-two polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized in the Cape parrot, Poicephalus robustus. Nineteen loci were newly isolated from two Cape parrot genomic libraries, and three loci isolated from other parrot species. Loci were characterized in 40 unrelated captive Cape parrots held by aviculturalists.

Microsatellite loci characterized in three African crane species (Gruidae, Aves).

Forty-three microsatellite loci originally isolated in Grus americana and G. japonensis were tested for polymorphism in the blue crane (G. paradisea).