Chromosomal rearrangements in a Somali wild ass pedigree, Equus africanus somaliensis (Perissodactyla, Equidae).
Chromosome analyses were conducted on 15 animals in a pedigree of Somali wild ass, Equus africanus somaliensis. G- and C-banded karyotypes are presented for the first time on this endangered species. The diploid number ranged from 62 to 64. Numerical chromosomal variation was the result of a centric fission which was accompanied by a heterochromatic deletion. The fission polymorphism involved acrocentric elements 19 and 21 as determined by G-banding. These autosomes are homologous to those involved in centric fission/fusion polymorphisms in other equids: E. asinus (domestic donkey), E. hemionus (onager), E. kiang (kiang), and E. burchelli (common zebra). Banding analyses also revealed a paracentric inversion polymorphism in submetacentric chromosome pair 2 of E. a. somaliensis. Both the centric fission and paracentric inversion polymorphisms involved heterochromatic regions. One individual was found to be heterozygous for two de novo chromosomal rearrangements: a centric fission (involving acrocentric elements 19 and 21) and a heterochromatic deletion of chromosome 2.
Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, CA 92112-0551, USA.
M L
ML
Houck
A T
AT
Kumamoto
R M
RM
Cabrera
K
K
Benirschke
D000818:Animals; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D007446:Chromosome Inversion; D004171:Diploidy; D018397:Equidae / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree