Leadbeater’s Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri population genetic data

Full description

The genetic data in this collection were derived from two sources (1) genotypes for a panel of 15-20 highly resolving microsatellite markers, and (2) 30 unique mitochondrial D-loop sequences (haplotypes). Microsatellites were cloned and optimised during this study (Hansen et al. 2003; Hansen et al. 2005, Hansen et al. 2009). Mitochondrial DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing was undertaken using the universal marsupial control region (D-Loop) primers L16517M and H605M. The extracts from museum specimens failed to amplify using these standard primers, necessitating the design of five new primers from previously obtained Leadbeater's possum D-loop sequence in order to amplify the same region in smaller fragments (Hansen et al. 2009).

The collection is provided as a single spreadsheet split into two worksheets, the first (‘Wild_Zoo_samples’) provides genotypes and haplotypes for all samples obtained from captive-bred or wild-sampled animals. Coordinates are supplied as X=Easting and Y=Northing. The projection of original GPS data is not known, but thought to be WGS84 / GDA_1994_MGA_Zone55. Bold values indicate uncertainty in genotype obtained. ND=no date or no date; U=Unknown. The second worksheet (‘Museum_samples’) provides some genotypes and haplotypes for key Leadbeater’s Possum specimens held by Museum Victoria. These include the original type specimens, C4380 and C4379 (Museums Victoria Sciences Staff (2010) Gymnobelideus leadbeateri Leadbeater's Possum in Museums Victoria Collections https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/species/8442). Approximate collection locations (latitude and longitude) are supplied, sourced from estimates made by the Museum of Victoria. Bold values indicate uncertainty in genotype obtained (despite replicate PCR products). Genotypes for locus GL5A are equivalent to those from GL34 (these loci are the same). Sample MM from Mt Macedon was supplied by Sid Larwill (Larwill et al. 2003; Vic.Nat. 120, 132-139). Further information about this specimen can be requested from the data owner or sample owner.

The genetic data are accompanied by information on collection location, date and details for wild-sampled and captive-bred animals (where that information was available). For animals sampled at Lake Mountain during the study, information on animal sex, age, colony membership and colony 

coordinates is supplied. For samples that originated from captivity (Melbourne Zoo, Taronga Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary), information on the animal’s sex and date of birth / date of collection is supplied (where available). This information and the original genetic samples were supplied by David Lindenmayer, as were samples collected from other central highlands populations (Cambarville, Mt Margaret, Toolangi, Powelltown and a limited number of samples from Lake Mountain). Genetic samples from Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve were supplied by Dan Harley. Animal sex, age, colony membership and colony coordinates from the Yellingbo population are not currently available. Please contact the data owner for enquiries about accessing these data.

Specimens supplied by Museum of Victoria are listed along with the best possible genetic information that could be obtained from these (see Hansen et al. 2009 for more details). Mitochondrial DNA sequences were obtained from all but one sample listed, however, the quality and length of these samples varied. Very few microsatellite genotypes were obtained due to low sample quality. Best genotypes based on multiple replicate PCRS are provided.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence data was lodged with GenBank and accession numbers are provided against haplotype identities. Not all samples were sequenced, and several sequences obtained have not been lodged. Further analyses is expected on these samples, after which time the sequences will be lodged.