everal primer sets were described for PCR amplification of the Sry gene that became very suitable method for sex identification in mammals. We tested applicability of two primer sets for sex identification in one bat and 12 rodent species from Central Europe. Rapid DNA extraction with non-ionic detergents, which is very suitable for large-scale population studies, was used. Primers SRY-A from Pomp et al. (1995) did not amplify Sry fragment in males of Myotis myotis, four species of Microtus, and Clethrionomys glareolus, while amplification was successful in four species of Apodemus, two species of Mus, and Sciurus vulgaris. On the other hand, primers from Sánchez et al. (1996) gave clear Sry band in males of all tested species, only with one exception, i.e. male of Sciurus vulgaris.
Primers to amplify partially the mitochondrial genes coding for cytochrome b, 12S-rRNA and the D-loop were screened in twelve small mammal species from southern Africa. We also tested the possibilities of molecular sex identification using primers of the SRY. The study includes five species of murids of the genera Aethomys, Thallomys, Rhabdomys and Saccostomus, four gerbils of the genera Desmodillus, Tatera, Gerbillurus, one dormouse (Graphiurus) and two macroscelids (Macroscelides and Elephantulus). We provide information on the primers with modifications, lab protocols and we give an overview of the obtained sequences: four cytochrome b sequences and five 12S-rDNA sequences of three species and 23 D-loop sequences of five species. Sex specific fragments of SRY could be amplified in three species of Murinae and the dormouse.