Analysis of the genetic variability in a sample of the remaining group of Spixʹs Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii, Psittaciformes: Aves) by DNA fingerprinting Original Research Article

The Spixʹs Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii is the worldʹs 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 Jeffreysʹ 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 Spixʹs Macaw.