Effects of forest fragmentation on the genetic variability of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia)

Four variable microsatellite loci were used to examine the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) at four recently isolated populations. Previous genetic study using isozyme markers have found very low levels of genetic variation among Leontopithecus forms, with an average expected heterozygoisty estimate of 0.01. The microsatellite markers used here detected higher levels of genetic variation than isozymes, with mean expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.42 to 0.66. Genetic divergence was also detected among golden lion tamarin populations, with an average differentiation of 27%. The effective mutation rate of quantitative trait loci is comparable to microsatellite loci, in the order of 10$\sp{-3}$ per generation, per gamete. The fact that genetic diversity was found at microsatellite loci for golden lion tamarin may indicate that genetic diversity at quantitative trait loci may still exists for the species. This information may provide helpful guidelines for the effective genetic management of the species metapopulation.