First Karyological Analysis of Black the Crowned Crane (<i>Balearica pavonina</i>) and the Scaly-Breasted Munia (<i>Lonchura punctulata</i>)

Abstract

SummaryThis research was the first karyological analysis of the black crowned crane (Balearica pavonina) and the scaly-breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata). Two specimens of B. pavonina (one male and one female) and two specimens of L. punctulata (one male and one female) were obtained from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, Thailand. After using the standard peripheral blood lymphocyte culture method at 41 C for 72 h in the presence of colchicine, the metaphase spreads were performed on microscopic slides and air-dried. A conventional staining technique was applied to stain the chromosomes. The results showed that the diploid chromosome number of B. pavonina is 2n=80. The chromosomes have two sizes; 11 pairs of macrochromosomes and 29 pairs of microchromosomes were observed. The macrochromosomes consist of 14 metacentric, 6 submetacentric, and sex chromosomes. The Z chromosome is a medium metacentric chromosome and the W chromosome is a small metacentric chromosome. The diploid chromosome number of L. punctulata is 2n=72. The chromosomes have two sizes; 10 pairs of macrochromosomes and 25 pairs of microchromosomes were observed. The macrochromosomes consist of 2 metacentric, 4 submetacentric, 2 acrocentric, 10 telocentric, and sex chromosomes. The Z chromosome is a small metacentric chromosome and the W chromosome is the smallest metacentric chromosome.