Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is currently one of the most endang ered African mammals as a direct result o habitat destruction and intensive poaching. A microsatellite library was constructed to address a number of population genetic questions. This paper describes the isolation of five bl ack rhinoceros microsatellite loci. Three of these loci were found to be po lymorphic. In addition, the paper demonstrates the utility for cross-hybrid ization of these primers in other species of rhinoceros.