Chromosome identification of the flat-headed cat, Felis planiceps: one more down and five to go.

ABSTRACT

There are 38 recognized feline species in the world. With successful chromosome analysis of the flat-headed cat, Felis planiceps or Prionailurus planiceps, from the secluded river banks and lower mountain slopes of the jungles of Malasia, Borneo, and Sumatra, there remain only 5 rare and endangered species yet unstudied. Although some, including the flat-headed cat, have somewhat distinctive chromosome configurations, all cats thus far karyotyped show 38-chromosome counts, excepting 5 new world "tropicals" which have 36. A pattern of probable feline mutations can be read from the chromosome variations in the different species.