Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Cephalotaxus oliveri , an endemic and endangered conifer in China, which will allow assessment of the levels of genetic diversity and a means to understand the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation.

Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining (FIASCO) Repeats protocol, 19 microsatellite loci were identifi ed in C. oliveri , 13 of which were polymorphic within a sample of 52 individuals representing fi ve natural populations. The actual number of alleles per locus ranged from one to fi ve. Twelve polymorphic loci were also successfully amplifi ed in C. fortunei.

Conclusions: These microsatellite loci will provide a useful tool for further investigating genetic variation in natural populations of C. oliveri , which will inform future conservation and management strategies. Additionally, cross-amplifi cation in C. fortunei suggested the potential utility of these loci in this and other congeneric species.