Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the asp viper (Vipera aspis) using high-throughput sequencing and their use for other European vipers

The Asp viper (Vipera aspis) is a highly endangered species in the Swiss Plateau and in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. In the past, numerous populations disappeared due to human activities, but currently the trend is reversed and several locations seem favourable for this species. However, it is not known if the remaining populations are still genetically variable and viable. In this study, 12 new microsatellite loci markers were developed for Vipera aspis using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques (454 sequencing). All markers proved to be polymorphic with 2-9 alleles. When cross-tested with two Eurasian widespread viper species, 8 of the newly developed loci provided reliable amplification for V. berus and 3 loci for V. ammodytes.