Banded chromosome study of the Iriomote cat

The G-banded karyotype of the Iriomote cat, Felis iriomotensis, was found to be indistinguishable from that of F. bengalensis, F. viverrinus, and F. concolor. The karyotype of these four cats is, however, distinguishable from karyotypes of all other species of cats whose chromosomes have been studied. Silver-staining showed nucleolar organizing regions on the satellited stalks of the E1 chromosomes. Based on morphological and cytogenetic parameters F. iriomotensis is probably most closely related to F. bengalensis, the only other wild felid native to Japan.