First cytogenetic analysis of lesser gymnures (Mammalia, Galericidae, ) from Vietnam.

Gymnures are an ancient group of small insectivorous mammals and are characterized by a controversial taxonomic status and the lack of a description of karyotypes for certain species. In this study, conventional cytogenetic techniques (Giemsa, CBG- and GTG-banding, Ag-NOR), CMA-DAPI staining, and fluorescent hybridization (FISH) with telomeric DNA probes were used to examine for the first time the karyotypes of lesser gymnures of group Müller, 1840 from northern and southern Vietnam. All studied specimens had karyotypes with 2=48, NF=64.