Abstract
The Spix's Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii is the world's most endangered parrot. There is only one male in the wild and 39 birds maintained in captivity. Among these, only nine were originally from the wild. The genetic variability of seven captive birds (six originally from the wild) was estimated using Jeffreys' human minisatellite probes 33.15 and 33.6. The similarity indexes obtained were close to those observed between fullsibs in other bird species. This result supports the evidence of its historical rarity in the wild and suggest that the birds studied belong to a small population. Thus, the technique applied here is an important tool for monitoring the remaining genetic variability of the Spix's Macaw.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call