Gaur Research Articles

Weights of gaur (Bos gaurus) and banteng (Bos javanicus) killed by tigers in Thailand.

The primary prey of tigers across much of South‐East Asia has been depleted, reducing the ability of already limited habitat to support tigers. To better understand the extent to which two of the largest prey species, gaur (Bos gaurus) and banteng (Bos javanicus), contribute to the tiger's diet, we estimated the average size of these species killed by tigers. This information is needed to more accurately calculate biomass of these species in the tiger's diet and to devise strategies to increase tiger carrying capacity where habitat is fragmented and limited in west‐central Thailand. We used temporally clumped locations of 24 satellite radio‐collared tigers to identify their kill sites and obtained mandibles from 82 gaur and 79 banteng. Kills were aged by teeth eruption sequence, sectioning the M1 molar and counting cementum annuli. Of all gaur killed, 45.2% were adults; of all banteng killed, 55.7% were adults. The average weight of banteng killed was 423.9 kg, which was similar to the 397.9 kg average weight for gaur. The mean weight of both prey species is 3.5–4.5 times greater than the predicted 1:1 preferred prey to predator ratio. In the absence of medium‐sized prey, killing these larger animals may be especially critical for female tigers provisioning nearly independent young when male offspring are already larger than the mother. This is the first study to present data on the average weights of gaur and banteng killed in South‐East Asia, and these results suggest that these are key prey species to target in tiger prey recovery efforts.

Original

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-wild animal which is highly priced among the tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh. This rare livestock is facing threats of extinction. In this paper, attempt has been made to know the population status and the prevailing conservation efforts of Mithun in the area. Aquestionnaire-based survey was carried out covering the households possessing Mithuns. The study found a good number of Mithunsin the area. However, a declining population trend was observed due to its multiple uses in social, economic, cultural and political life of the people. As it is associated with their culture, there is a rising concern among the people for its conservation. Conservation initiatives by the Adi Baane Kebang, Adi Cultural and Literary Society and Adi Students Union have been discussed and interpreted. Finally, constructive suggestions have been made for ensuring future sustainability of the species.

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in wild gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus): evidence from extant and historical samples

Bos gaurus gaurus commonly called as gaur is a wild bovid species inhabiting South and Southeast Asia and attained vulnerable status in India. In this study, we typed 62 extant free-ranging wild gaur individuals for mitochondrial partial displacement loop (D-loop) and cytochrome b gene (Cyt b) from the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR). Two historical DNA samples originating from museums and two Tectona grandis bark fibers samples browsed by wild gaur were also used as a source of environmental DNA. Both D-loop and Cyt b loci show the occurrence of a single haplotype in the contemporary wild gaur population. While D-loop fragment sequencing of two historical museum samples reveals two unique haplotypes, virtually absent in the present wild gaur population of MTR. Amplifications of the similar haplotypes in gaur DNA samples obtained through chewed T. grandis bark fibers have proved the efficacy of eDNA. Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) analysis using extant and historical D-loop sequences illustrate population decline starting from upper Mesolithic. Also, the BSP graph indicates accelerated effective population size decline (Ne), a time period coinciding with the different phases of the ∼5000 years old Indus civilization. The plot shows an overall declining trend in the wild gaur population, a probable outcome of ever-shrinking habitat in the central Indian landscape caused by prehistoric, medieval and colonial hunting practices.

Directed modification of a ruminal cellulase gene (CMC-1) from a metagenomic library isolated from Yunnan gayal (Bos frontalis).

Gayal (Bos frontalis) of the Yunnan region is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions. Its diet consists predominantly of bamboo, reeds, and woody plants, suggesting that the rumen of this species contains many fiber-degrading bacteria and cellulases. The aim of this study was to identify and modify specific cellulases found in the gayal rumen. In the present study, a directed evolution strategy of error-prone PCR was employed to improve the activity or optimal temperature of a cellulase gene (CMC-1) isolated from gayal rumen. The CMC-1 gene was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21, and the recombinant CMC-1 protein hydrolyzed carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) with an optimal activity at pH 5.0 and 50°C. A library of mutated ruminal CMC-1 genes was constructed and a mutant EP-15 gene was identified. Sequencing analysis revealed that EP-15 and CMC-1 belonged to the glycosyl hydrolase family 5 (GHF5) and had the highest homology to a cellulase (Accession No. WP_083429257.1) from Prevotellaceae bacterium, HUN156. There were similar predicted GH5 domains in EP-15 and CMC-1. The EP-15 gene was heterologously expressed and exhibited cellulase activity in E. coli BL21 at pH 5.0, but the optimum temperature for its activity was reduced from that of CMC-1 (50°C) to 45°C, which was closer to the physiological temperature of the rumen (40°C). The cellulase activity of EP-15 was about two times higher than CMC-1 at 45°C or PH 5.0, and also was more stable in response to temperature and pH changes compared to CMC-1. This study successfully isolated and modified a ruminal cellulase gene from metagenomics library of Yunnan gayal. Our findings may obtain a useful cellulase in future applications and present the first evidence of modified cellulases in the gayal rumen.

Bluetongue in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis with emphasis on diagnosis and seroprevalence

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious viral disease which affects a wide range of ruminants and was first reported in India in 1964. In view of the absence of comprehensive information on the BT status in India, this study presents the seroprevalence on BT in farm animals of India based-on a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review was conducted to identify the published articles (2001–2018) reporting the seroprevalence of BT in sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, camels, and Mithun (Bos frontalis) from India. From 409 research articles, 71 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and meta-analysis for proportions was carried out targeting the eligible studies. From these, 144 strata level data were extracted with a sample size of 14048 sheep, 14696 goats, 5218 cattle, 2653 buffaloes, 2062 camels, and 222 Mithun. Overall, the analyses showed that the BT seroprevalence of 43% (95% CI: 38–49%) in goats, 39% (95% CI: 33–46%) in sheep, 38% (95% CI: 25–45%) in cattle, 34% (95% CI: 20–51%) in buffaloes, 16% (95% CI: 10–22%) in camels, and 66% (95% CI: 17–95%) in Mithun. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis suggested that serological tests, geographical region, and sample size were the prime moderators. Meta-analytic study indicates the BT seropositivity in 25.35 million sheep (95% CI: 21.5–29.9), 58 million goats (95% CI: 51.3–66.2), 66.8 million cattle (95% CI: 47.7–86), 37.0 million buffaloes (95% CI: 21.7–55.4), 0.06 million camels (95% CI: 0.04–0.09), and 0.19 million Mithun (95% CI: 0.05–0.28). The findings highlight the variation of BT seropositivity in different geographical regions of India.

Short Communication: Identification of Leptin gene in crossbred beef cattle

Abstract. Anugratama LE, Hartatik T. 2020. Short Communication: Identification of Leptin gene in crossbred beef cattle. Biodiversitas 21: 226-230. Leptin is a gene that affects animal weight. Leptin gene is known to control body weight, feed intake, energy expenditure, immune function, and reproduction. This study aims to identify the diversity of the Leptin gene in crossbred beef cattle, Sumba Ongole cattle, Brahman cross cattle, Bali cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat by comparing with four GenBank data of cattle. Crossbred beef cattle obtained from Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia. Leptin nucleotide sequences were analyzed using BioEdit to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). To create amino acid change in Leptin gene, the coding sequence of exon 2 was established using BioEdit ver. 7.0.5. Phylogenetic tree and genetic distance have been analyzed based on the Leptin gene using MEGA 10.1.1 program. The result shows that eight variations of SNP were found in exon 2. The phylogenetic tree represents that crossbreed beef cattle, Sumba Ongole cattle, Brahman cross cattle, Bali cattle, Bos taurus, Bos indicus, Bos frontalis, Bos grunniens, Bubalus bubalis are in the same cluster with various genetic distance. The results of this study are expected to provide genetic information that will be used for further research on the relationship between Leptin gene polymorphisms to animal weight.

Changing landscape configuration demands ecological planning: Retrospect and prospect for megaherbivores of North Bengal.

The Gorumara National Park (GNP) is an important conservation area located in the northern region of West Bengal State, India, as it provides habitat for three megaherbivores: Indian One-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and Gaurs (Bos gaurus). It harbours one of the last population of the one-horned rhino. In the present study, landscape change and configuration were investigated by comparing three Landsat images, from 1998, 2008 and 2018. The images were classified into six different landcover classes following standard methodology. The present study also involves evaluation of landscape and anthropogenic predictors influence on the megaherbivores of GNP, followed by future landcover simulation for the year 2028. The result shows a significant decrease in the grassland cover from 18.87 km2 to 8.27 km2 from 1998 to 2018, whereas the woodland cover has increased from 50.14 km2 to 62.09 km2 between 1998 and 2018. The landscape configuration indices such as Number of Patches (NP), Patch Density (PD), Interspersion and Juxtaposition (IJI), Aggregation Index (AI) and Mean Shape Index (SHAPE AM) indicated that the landscapes has lost complexity in the spatial placement of patches of different Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) classes. Also, the landscape over the three decades has become uniform in terms of diversity of patches, because of earlier plantation activities by the forest managers. Result also indicated that grassland, along with its class metrics are the top predictors contributing 43.6% in explaining the spatial distribution of megaherbivores in GNP. Results from the simulated landcover of 2028 suggest a possible decline in overall grassland by 6.23% and a subsequent upsurge in woodland by 6.09% from 2018. The present result will be useful in guiding the forest management in developing habitat improvement strategies for the long- term viability of megaherbivore populations of rhino, gaur and elephant in the GNP.

Comparative Chromosome Mapping of Musk Ox and the X Chromosome among Some Bovidae Species.

Bovidae, the largest family in Pecora infraorder, are characterized by a striking variability in diploid number of chromosomes between species and among individuals within a species. The bovid X chromosome is also remarkably variable, with several morphological types in the family. Here we built a detailed chromosome map of musk ox (Ovibos moschatus), a relic species originating from Pleistocene megafauna, with dromedary and human probes using chromosome painting. We trace chromosomal rearrangements during Bovidae evolution by comparing species already studied by chromosome painting. The musk ox karyotype differs from the ancestral pecoran karyotype by six fusions, one fission, and three inversions. We discuss changes in pecoran ancestral karyotype in the light of new painting data. Variations in the X chromosome structure of four bovid species nilgai bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), gaur (Bos gaurus), and Kirk’s Dikdik (Madoqua kirkii) were further analyzed using 26 cattle BAC-clones. We found the duplication on the X in saola. We show main rearrangements leading to the formation of four types of bovid X: Bovinae type with derived cattle subtype formed by centromere reposition and Antilopinae type with Caprini subtype formed by inversion in XSB1.

Whole genome sequence and de novo assembly revealed genomic architecture of Indian Mithun (Bos frontalis)

BackgroundMithun (Bos frontalis), also called gayal, is an endangered bovine species, under the tribe bovini with 2n = 58 XX chromosome complements and reared under the tropical rain forests region of India, China, Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh. However, the origin of this species is still disputed and information on its genomic architecture is scanty so far. We trust that availability of its whole genome sequence data and assembly will greatly solve this problem and help to generate many information including phylogenetic status of mithun. Recently, the first genome assembly of gayal, mithun of Chinese origin, was published. However, an improved reference genome assembly would still benefit in understanding genetic variation in mithun populations reared under diverse geographical locations and for building a superior consensus assembly. We, therefore, performed deep sequencing of the genome of an adult female mithun from India, assembled and annotated its genome and performed extensive bioinformatic analyses to produce a superior de novo genome assembly of mithun.ResultsWe generated ≈300 Gigabyte (Gb) raw reads from whole-genome deep sequencing platforms and assembled the sequence data using a hybrid assembly strategy to create a high quality de novo assembly of mithun with 96% recovered as per BUSCO analysis. The final genome assembly has a total length of 3.0 Gb, contains 5,015 scaffolds with an N50 value of 1 Mb. Repeat sequences constitute around 43.66% of the assembly. The genomic alignments between mithun to cattle showed that their genomes, as expected, are highly conserved. Gene annotation identified 28,044 protein-coding genes presented in mithun genome. The gene orthologous groups of mithun showed a high degree of similarity in comparison with other species, while fewer mithun specific coding sequences were found compared to those in cattle.ConclusionHere we presented the first de novo draft genome assembly of Indian mithun having better coverage, less fragmented, better annotated, and constitutes a reasonably complete assembly compared to the previously published gayal genome. This comprehensive assembly unravelled the genomic architecture of mithun to a great extent and will provide a reference genome assembly to research community to elucidate the evolutionary history of mithun across its distinct geographical locations.

Population and habitat use of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and five ungulate species in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

Abstract. Menkham K, Sukmasuang R, Pla-Ard M, Charaspet K, Panganta T, Trisurat Y, Bhumpakphan N. 2019. Population and habitat use of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and five ungulate species in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Biodiversitas 20: 2213-2221. This study on the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population, habitat use and the diel activity patterns of elephants and five species of large even-toed ungulates was conducted between March 2017 and March 2018 in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province using intensive camera trapping. Fifty-eight camera traps were deployed, adding up to a total of 4,463 trap nights and revealing 1,760 independent encounters. Six species of mammals were recorded, including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and five species of large even-toed ungulates; the gaur (Bos gaurus), the banteng (Bos javanicus), the sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), the wild boar (Sus scrofa), and the muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak). The abundance analysis reflected that the probability occupancy of the elephant was 0.92 (SE = 0.04); in dry seasons 0.97 (SE = 0.04) and in wet seasons 0.90 (SE = 0.83). The population of elephants within the study site of 87.95 km2 was within 79.51-334.15 individuals. The elephant age classes were identified as adult, sub-adult, juvenile, and calf with percentages of 77.85%, 5.71%, 9.28%, and 7.14%, respectively. The adult male to adult female sex-ratio was 1: 1.39 and the adult female per calf ratio was 1: 0.12. The percentage of the calf to adult female ratio was 9.17%. Maximum Entropy analysis revealed that saltlicks and artificial water sources were the environmental factors that had the most influence on the probability of occurrence of the elephant (all year). We found that the diel activity pattern of the elephants was strongly nocturnal (85% recorded between 18.00-05.59 hours). Temporal overlapping was seen between elephants and gaurs, bantengs and sambar deer in order. Suggestions for area management include improvement of water sources, salt licks, grassland management, and providing education, publicization, and strict control to decrease human activities within the protected area. There also should be continuous studies to monitor the population and the ecology of these species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Malayan Gaur (Bos gaurus hubbacki) from Peninsular Malaysia

Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of Malayan Gaur (Bos gaurus hubbacki) inferred using next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome is 16,367 bp in length with the structural organization of a typical bovine mitochondrial arrangement comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 21 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. No internal stop codon was found in the protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that Malayan gaur is more closely related to Burmese banteng instead of gaur.

Flaxseed oil modulates semen production and its quality profiles, freezability, testicular biometrics and endocrinological profiles in mithun

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a unique domestic free range bovine species of North Eastern Hilly (NEH) regions of India. Effect of feed supplementation of Flaxseed oil (FSO) on semen production and its quality profiles, freezability, oxidative stress, apoptotic sperm percentage and subsequently on endocrinological profiles & scrotal and testicular biometrics in different seasons was studied in mithun. The experimental animals were divided into two groups, Gr I: Control (n = 3) and Gr II: Treatment (n = 3; Flaxseed oil @ 150 mL/day). FSO was supplemented through oral drench in the morning hours just before concentrate feeding. A total of 80 semen samples (n = 80; 20 semen samples from each season; each 10 semen samples from control and treatment groups per season) were collected, not more than twice per week in winter, spring, autumn and summer seasons. Semen quality profiles (SQPs) such as volume, sperm concentration, motility (forward progressive and total), motility & velocity profiles by computer assisted sperm analyser (CASA), viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane & nuclear abnormality and apoptotic sperm percentage were estimated in fresh semen. Along with SQPs measured in fresh semen, motility in estrus bovine cervical mucus (bovine cervical mucus penetration test; BCMPT) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by JC-1 stain were determined in the post-thawed semen samples. Biochemical profiles (aspartate aminotransferase; AST, alanine aminotransferase; ALT, total cholesterol; CHO), antioxidant profiles (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, glutathione; GSH, total antioxidant capacity; TAC) and oxidative stress profile (malondialdehyde; MDA) were estimated in fresh semen whereas AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TAC and MDA were estimated in the frozen thawed semen samples. Endocrinological profiles such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, cortisol and thyroxin and scrotal circumference (SC) & testicular biometrics were measured in both groups in different seasons. Result revealed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in motility (total & forward progressive, motility & velocity by CASA and vanguard distance in cervical mucus), viability, intactness of acrosome & plasma membrane, MMP, antioxidant profiles and reduction in total sperm and nuclear abnormalities, reduction in leakage of intracellular enzymes and reduction in oxidative stress profile and reduction of apoptotic sperm percentage were observed in FSO supplemented than in un-supplemented control group accordingly in fresh and post thawed semen samples. Blood FSH, LH, testosterone and thyroxin concentration were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and cortisol concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in FSO supplemented group than in unsupplemented control group. Similarly, SC and testicular biometrics were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in supplemented than unsupplemented group for different seasons and significantly (p < 0.05) higher in winter and spring than in summer season in the experimental groups. It can be concluded from the study that supplementation of FSO can effectively be utilized to improve the antioxidant profiles, reduction of oxidative stress with cascading beneficial effects on SQPs and fertility status of the mithun bull.

Molecular characterization and histopathological studies on Fasciola gigantica in Mithun (Bos frontalis)

Mitochondrial DNA sequence of the sub-unit 1 of cytochrome c oxidase (Cox1) and ribosomal DNA sequence of the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of Fasciola collected from mithun and cattle from Arunachal Pradesh, India were characterized at molecular level in order to identify the species of parasite. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the identity of the parasite was confirmed as Fasciola gigantica in mithun as well as from cattle. In order to know histopathological alteration in Fasciola infection, a histopathological study was performed on eight liver specimens, out of 110 animals studied during the period from 2010-2016. Histopathological examination of F.gigantica infected liver showed extensive fibrous connective tissue proliferation with necrosis of hepatocytes and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cell. There was evidence of migratory tracts of parasites with losing of normal lobular hepatic architecture. Bile duct proliferation was followed by congestion of portal vein with perivascular cuffing with surrounding degeneration of hepatocytes. The hepatocytes showed pyknosis with hyperplasia of bile duct.

Parasites of mithun (Bos frontalis) in North Eastern hilly region of India-A review

Parasitism is a common problem for mithun (Bos frontalis) resulting in production losses in terms of meat and milk. Prevalence of ectoparasites infestation including Rhipicephalus microplus, Ambylomma testuidinarium, Ixodes ovatus and I. acutitarsus, has been reported based on taxonomic studies and PCR amplification of conserved gene. Different gastrointestinal helminth like Haemonchus contortus, Mecistocirrus digitatus, Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichuris spp s, Thelazia species, Strongyloides papillosus, different amphistomes and Fasciola gigantica were also reported from mithun from India. Among filarial worms, Setaria digitata was recorded from peritoneal cavity of mithun and its molecular confirmation was done based on PCR amplification of marker genes. Tapeworm infestation viz. Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, hydatid cyst and Cysticercus tenuicollis, were also commonly occurred in mithun. Enteric protozoa like different species of Eimeria, Cryptospordium species, Balantidium coli, has been diagnosed based on morphological identification sporulated oocysts and developmental stages found on faecal examination. Another obligate intracellular parasites Toxoplasma gondii, was also diagnosed based on ELISA and modified agglutination test. An integrated approach incorporating deworming, good livestock management and optimum feeding management practice coupled with vaccination programme will make successful parasite control programme in near future.

Muscle transcriptome signature and gene regulatory network analysis in two divergent lines of a hilly bovine species Mithun (Bos frontalis)

A massive bovine, Bos frontalis, also known as Mithun or Gayal, found at higher altitude is very promising meat and milk animal. For candidate gene and marker discovery, RNA-seq data was generated from longissimus dorsi muscle tissues with Illumina-HiSeq. Such markers can be used in future for genetic gain of traits like feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and average daily gain (ADG). Analysis revealed 297differentially expressed genes (DEGs) having 173 up and 124 down-regulated unigenes. Extensive conservation was found in genic region while comparing with Bos taurus. Analysis revealed 57 pathways having 112 enzymes, 72 transcriptional factors and cofactors, 212 miRNAs regulating 71 DEGs, 25,855 SSRs, mithun-specific 104,822 variants and 7288 indels, gene regulatory network (GRN) having 24 hub-genes and transcriptional factors regulating cell proliferation, immune tolerance and myogenesis. This is first report of muscle transcriptome depicting candidate genes with GRN controlling FCE and ADG. Reported putative molecular markers, candidate genes and hub proteins can be valuable genomic resources for association studies in genetic improvement programme.

Tiger density, dhole occupancy, and prey occupancy in the human disturbed Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex, Thailand

Large carnivores have been declining due to a combination of factors including habitat loss and fragmentation, prey loss, and direct persecution. Tiger Panthera tigris and dhole Cuon alpinus are endangered and emblematic of problems facing large carnivores globally. We estimated tiger density, dhole occupancy and prey availability within the Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex, a World Heritage Area in Thailand that has potential as a ‘recovery site’ for both species. Camera traps were set near bait stations designed for bear monitoring. A Bayesian spatial capture-recapture approach was used to estimate tiger density and occupancy of dhole and their prey. Camera traps were deployed in two areas, Khao Yai (78 locations, December 2009-May 2011) and Dong Phayayen (45 locations, December 2012-August 2014). Tiger was not detected in Khao Yai. We detected 9 tigers (2 male, 4 females, and 3 unknown sex) in Dong Phayayen. Tiger density was 2.1 (95% CI 0.5–5.3) individuals per 100 km2 based on an individual heterogeneity model. Dhole occupancy was higher in Khao Yai (64%) than Dong Phayayen (55%). Prey occupancy was 9–53% higher in Dong Phayayen. Wild pig Sus scrofa had the highest occupancy rates, followed by gaur Bos gaurus, sambar Rusa unicolor and muntjac Muntiacus muntjac, respectively. Although Dong Phayayen’s tiger density was lower compared to populations estimated in some better-known protected areas, our data suggest it has potential as a regional tiger (and perhaps dhole) recovery site. However, Dong Phayayen, like many sites in the region, faces significant threats from wildlife hunting and rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) poaching that need to be addressed urgently if this small population is going to survive even the near term.

Impact of prey occupancy and other ecological and anthropogenic factors on tiger distribution in Thailand's western forest complex.

Despite conservation efforts, large mammals such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and their main prey, gaur (Bos gaurus), banteng (Bos javanicus), and sambar (Rusa unicolor), are highly threatened and declining across their entire range. The only large viable source population of tigers in mainland Southeast Asia occurs in Thailand's Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM), an approximately 19,000 km2 landscape of 17 contiguous protected areas.We used an occupancy modeling framework, which accounts for imperfect detection, to identify the factors that affect tiger distribution at the approximate scale of a female tiger's home range, 64 km2, and site use at a scale of 1‐km2. At the larger scale, we estimated the proportion of sites at WEFCOM that were occupied by tigers; at the finer scale, we identified the key variables that influence site‐use and developed a predictive distribution map. At both scales, we examined key anthropogenic and ecological factors that help explain tiger distribution and habitat use, including probabilities of gaur, banteng, and sambar occurrence from a companion study.Occupancy estimated at the 64‐km2 scale was primarily influenced by the combined presence of all three large prey species, and 37% or 5,858 km2 of the landscape was predicted to be occupied by tigers. In contrast, site use estimated at the scale of 1 km2 was most strongly influenced by the presence of sambar.By modeling occupancy while accounting for imperfect probability of detection, we established reliable benchmark data on the distribution of tigers in WEFCOM. This study also identified factors that limit tiger distributions; which managers can then target to expand tiger distribution and guide recovery elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Indian mithun, Bos frontalis and its phylogenetic implications.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is an endangered domestic bovine species native to the hilly areas of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and India. It is believed to have been domesticated from gaur around 8000years ago. However, a few studies suggest that mithun is either an independent species or a hybrid descendant of gaur and cattle. Therefore, to understand the evolutionary history of mithun, the complete mitochondrial genome of Indian mithun was sequenced and compared with the mitochondrial genome of closely related Bos species. The mitochondrial genome of mithun was 16,346bp long and consisted of 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. The phylogenetic assessments of Indian mithun along with other Bos species showed a very close genetic relationship of Indian mithun with gaur suggesting that Indian mithun might have evolved from gaur.

Genomic characterization of mithun (Bos frontalis) populations using high density SNP array

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a bovine species found in the four North-Eastern Hilly States of India viz., Nagaland, Arunachal, Manipur and Mizoram. The 770k BovineHDBeadChip (Illumina, CA), which is basically a highdensity SNP array was utilized for genomic characterization of four mithun populations and to study genetic diversity present in the populations. SNP genotyping of a total 24 samples representing four mithun populations as per their geographic locations were carried out. The results indicated that the majority of polymorphic SNPs were found to be in HWE. Observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.263±0.040 (Nagaland) to 0.299±0.044 (Arunachal). Inbreeding coefficient ranged from 0.087±0.139 for Nagaland to 0.186±0.053 for Manipur mithun. The result of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated all the mithuns were distributed together in close proximity and no clear separation of the four populations was observed.The first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 9.59% and 88.0% of the total variation, respectively. The results of the STRUCTURE analysis also showed no population substructure as inferred from an increasing plot of cross validation error, similar to PCA. In our knowledge, this is the first study on genomic characterization of any Indian livestock species, through analysis of population structure and genetic diversity using high density SNP array. The baseline information generated in our study will help in developing proper strategies for implementing genomic selection and conservation of mithun.

STUDY ON INSPECTION OF THE PUTATIVE HYBRIDS BETWEEN TRACK-LACKING WILD MALE GAUR (BOS GAURUS) AND DOMESTIC FEMALE COW (BOS TAURUS) IN PHUOC BINH NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM

Hybridization between wild and domestic bovine occurs widely due to the overlapping of the natural habitat of the wild and human farm animals. Due to the loss of habitat, the number of wild gaur (Bos gaurus) in Vietnam was in serious decline. Since 2009, a male wild gaur (Bos gaurus) has appeared and incorporated with female domestic cows (Bos taurus) in buffer zone Phuoc Binh National Park, on the border with Lam Dong and Ninh Thuan provinces. Then, several calves were born that carried some traits of wild gaur including physical characteristics and behaviors. These calves were supposed to be offspring between wild gaur and domestic cows. In previous study, the karyotypes of putative calves were identified with 2n = 58 and non-homologous chromosome 28 and 29 in these hybrids. In this study, we characterized the putative hybrids between track-lacking Bos gaurus and Bos taurus for breeding and preservation using Cytochrome b analysis, microsatellites and a novel marker growth hormone factor 1 (POU1F1). Cytochrome b analysis indicated the maternal lineage of the putative hybrids, with 100% nucleotide sequence identity. Microsatellite BM861 and sequence of ZFY gene region reveal Bos taurus chromosome Y origin was among the male putative hybrids. Importantly, the analysis of POU1F1 gene sequence on 1 chromosome showed efficacy in determining both Bos gaurus and Bos taurus lineage in the putative hybrids. The karyotyping results were confirmed by molecular analysis and our results provide a feasible way for detecting the putative hybrids between wild and domestic cattle in case of lacking the wild trace.