Chromosomal and molecular evolution in Asiatic wild asses.

Chromosomal studies of Tibetan wild ass, Equus kiang holdereri are reported for the first time. A Robertsonian polymorphism resulting in diploid numbers of 2n = 51 and 2n = 52 was identified. This polymorphism involves the same elements that participate in the polymorphic Robertsonian rearrangement producing diploid numbers of 54-56 in E. hemionus kulan and E. hemionus onager. Comparison of mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment patterns among three unrelated kiang individuals and between kiangs and a Transcaspian kulan, E. hemionus kulan, indicates an approximately 1% nucleotide sequence divergence of mitochondrial DNAs between the two taxa. The chromosomal divergence between E. hemionus and E. kiang probably originated less than 500,000 years ago. Studies of additional Asiatic wild ass taxa are indicated in order to gain further insights into the speciation and systematics of this threatened group of mammals.