Exploring environmental DNA for barcoding analysis of Sumatran rhino in Way Kambas National Park

Abstract

The Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is one of five species of rhino in the world. The existence of the Sumatran rhino is also considered very vulnerable to habitat degradation, internal cross-breeding, disease, and hunting. The Sumatran rhino population will experience extinction if there are no mature management measures for the long term. It is assumed that the dynamics of the natural ecosystem in the Sumatran rhino's natural habitat will harm the existence of its population. Sumatran rhino wallow water is one of the remaining sources of environmental genetic material. Extraction of eDNA in the wallow water of individual Sumatran rhinos in Sumatra Rhino Sanctuary, Way Kambas National Park aims to determine the results of testing the quality of genetic material from Sumatran rhino wallow water in the Sumatran Rhino Reserve, Way Kambas National Park using simple and molecular methods. DNA extraction using a simple method detects 0/12 samples, whereas using molecular methods can detect 11/12 samples. These results should be followed by detection using specific primers to ensure that the eDNA extracted is Sumatran rhino eDNA.