Karyological differentiation between two closely related mustelids, the Japanese weasel Mustela itatsi and the Siberian weasel M-sibirica

Chromosomes of the Japanese weasel Mustela itatsi endemic to Japanese main islands except Hokkaido were examined by conventional, G-, and C-stainings, and compared with those of the Siberian weasel M. sibirica which is widesp read in eastern Asia and Siberia. The two species shared the same diploid c hromosome number (2n=38). However, their fundamental numbers and G- and C-b anding patterns were largely differentiated from each other. Judging from t he karyological features as well as mitochondrial DNA data and morphologica l characters previously reported, M. itatsi should be regarded as an indepe ndent species from M. sibirica, in agreement with the first description.