Anoa Research Articles

Spatial Analysis of Mountain and Lowland Anoa Habitat Potential Using the Maximum Entropy and Random Forest Algorithm

The Anoa is a wild animal endemic to Sulawesi that looks like a small cow. Anoa are categorized as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN red list. There are two species of Anoa, namely Lowland Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and Mountain Anoa (Bubalus quarlesi). In this study, a comparison of potential habitat models for Anoa species was conducted using Machine Learning algorithms with the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) and Random Forest (RF) methods. This modeling uses eight environmental variables. Where based on the results of Bubalus quarlesi potential habitat modeling, the RF 75:25 model is the best algorithm with the highest variable contribution, namely humidity of 82.444% and a potential area of 5% of Sulawesi Island, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.987. Meanwhile, the best Bubalus depressicornis habitat potential model is the RF 70:30 algorithm, with the highest variable contribution, namely population of 88.891% and potential area of 36% of Sulawesi Island, with AUC 0.967. This indicates that Anoa extinction is very sensitive to the presence of humidity and human population levels.

Short Communication: Morphological, biochemical, and molecular identification of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from feces of endemic tropical herbivores

Abstract. Suharti S, Novrariani N, Wiryawan KG. 2023. Short Communication: Morphological, biochemical, and molecular identification of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from feces of endemic tropical herbivores. Biodiversitas 24: 4046-4051. Indonesia has endemic herbivores that consume lignocellulose feedstuffs including grass, tree foliage, rice straw, and legume, indicating the presence of cellulolytic bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate and identify cellulolytic bacteria from the feces of tropical endemic herbivores, including anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), banteng (Bos javanicus), muntjak (Muntiacus muntjak), and timor deer (Rusa timorensis). Bacteria were isolated using the serial dilution technique and screened on Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) media. The selected isolates were identified based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics, cellulase enzyme activity, and molecular identification of 16S rDNA. The result showed that a total of five bacterial isolates were isolated from feces of anoa, banteng, muntjak, and timor deer. In addition, isolates exhibited characteristics of facultative anaerobes with gram-positive coccus, fermenting glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose. Based on cellulolytic index, isolates from anoa and banteng feces showed high cellulolytic activity with an index of about 1.2, indicating their potential as cellulose-degrading bacteria. Molecular identification and phylogeny analysis of cellulolytic bacteria isolates from anoa and banteng feces showed 100% similarities with Enterococcus faecium. Therefore, bacteria from feces of tropical endemic herbivores, especially anoa and banteng, possess cellulolytic activity and have potential as cellulolytic probiotic for ruminants that feed on forage-based diet. This is the first study to document the cellulolytic activity of anoa, and banteng feces.

Species Distribution Modelling Using Bioclimatic Variables on Endangered Endemic Species (Bubalus depressicornis and Bubalus quarlesi)

Sulawesi Island is an island located in the Wallacea area. Most of the fauna on the island of Sulawesi is a transitional fauna from Australia and Asia. This study aims to model the potential distribution of the species Bubalus depressicornis and Bubalus quarlesi using famous models in the present and in the future as a result of climate change phenomena throughout the island of Sulawesi and beyond their natural habitat. The parameters used are bioclimatic variables and in-situ presence data. The method used is Maximum Entropy by comparing the GLM, SVM, and RF algorithms. The model is evaluated with reference to the values of AUC, COR, TSS, Deviance, and observation data. The RF model is quite good in modeling the distribution of B. depressicornis and B. quarlesi species with AUC values of 0.92 and 1, COR values of 0.59 and 0.84, TSS values of 0.87 and 1, and Deviance values of 0.37 and 0.08, respectively, while the results of data observations show values of 80% and 84%. B. depressicornis was most affected by bio14=0.665, while B. quarlesi was most affected by bio2=0.525, which means that this endemic species is suitable to live in a tropical climate with a warm and wet climate throughout the year, where the difference in temperature at night and during the day is very large. In the future, B. depressicornis and B. quarlesi are estimated to be compatible in an area of 143,281.78 km2 (81%) and 136,892.89 km2 (77%) of the Sulawesi.
 Keywords : Species Distribution Model; Bubalus depressicornis; Bubalus quarlesi; Bioclimatic; Climate Change
 
 Copyright (c) 2023 Geosfera Indonesia and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember
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An Extensive Coverage Anoa Distribution Modelling in Sulawesi Using Maximum Entropy

As an endangered species, Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis and Mountain Bubalus quarlesi) inhabiting the Sulawesi island requires proper conservation both in and out of their native habitat. The study of anoa habitat is mainly conducted through field studies based on firsthand observations of anoa appearance, footprints, or excrement or through social surveys from residents who saw it directly. The studies are carried out specifically in a particular area with a relatively narrow. However, in practice, this method has limitations, such as the research location determined based on the possibility of anoa, limited research area, and inefficient use of resources. Therefore, this study aimed to model the potential habitat of anoa in the whole of Sulawesi island. This study was based on physical and environmental independent variables such as DEM, surface slope, LST, NDVI, and access to inland water, as well as in-situ species distribution retrieved from scientific papers and reports. This study discovered the likely anoa distribution on Sulawesi island, both inside and outside of its native habitat. LST is the most important independent variable in determining habitat suitability, accounting for 80% of the total, followed by water (15.3%), NDVI (2.9%), DEM (1.6%), and slope (0.3%).

Urine biochemical profile analysis and transabdominal ultrasonography for pregnancy detection in the endangered lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis)

Abstract. Bowolaksono A, Mayasari A, Sundari AM, Simamora ATJ, Suryaningsih R, Suryawan A, Simamora ATJ, Abinawanto, Sjahfirdi L, Hasna A, Supriatna J, Kyes RC. 2022. Urine biochemical profile analysis and transabdominal ultrasonography for pregnancy detection in the endangered lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). Biodiversitas 23: 6056-6061. The population of lowland anoas (Bubalus depressicornis) has decreased significantly due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. As such, the urgency in developing successful ex-situ conservation programs cannot be overstated. Ex-situ breeding programs of anoas, however, are hindered by difficulties in early pregnancy detection. The failure to detect pregnancy at an early stage often results in miscarriage due to repeated breeding attempts of unconfirmed pregnant females. Moreover, frequent false heat during 5 to 6 months of pregnancy corroborated the repeated breeding of pregnant females. Therefore, early detection techniques are needed to improve breeding success. The present study evaluated the use of urine biochemical profiles as a minimally invasive approach for early pregnancy detection and transabdominal ultrasonography as a confirmation tool of false heat in four lowland anoas. Statistical analysis showed that glucose and protein level were significantly elevated during pregnancy since the 0 days of post-mating (p<0.05) and consistently higher compared to the non-pregnant period. Meanwhile, transabdominal ultrasonography successfully identified organ structures and development by the 155th, 176th, 180th, and 191st days of pregnancy. The present study suggests that urine biochemical data provide a promising, minimally invasive approach to early pregnancy detection in anoas. Incorporating urine data and ultrasonography can significantly help to maintain pregnancy by validating false heat.

Draft genome of the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and comparison with buffalo genome assemblies (Bovidae, Bubalina).

Genomic data for wild species of the genus Bubalus (Asian buffaloes) are still lacking while several whole genomes are currently available for domestic water buffaloes. To address this, we sequenced the genome of a wild endangered dwarf buffalo, the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), produced a draft genome assembly and made comparison to published buffalo genomes. The lowland anoa genome assembly was 2.56 Gbp long and contained 103,135 contigs, the longest contig being 337.39 kbp long. N50 and L50 values were 38.73 and 19.83 kbp, respectively, mean coverage was 44× and GC content was 41.74%. Two strategies were adopted to evaluate genome completeness: (1) determination of genomic features with de novo and homology-based predictions using annotations of chromosome-level genome assembly of the river buffalo and (2) employment of benchmarking against universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO). Homology-based predictions identified 94.51% complete and 3.65% partial genomic features. De novo gene predictions identified 32,393 genes, representing 97.14% of the reference's annotated genes, whilst BUSCO search against the mammalian orthologs database identified 71.1% complete, 11.7% fragmented, and 17.2% missing orthologs, indicating a good level of completeness for downstream analyses. Repeat analyses indicated that the lowland anoa genome contains 42.12% of repetitive regions. The genome assembly of the lowland anoa is expected to contribute to comparative genome analyses among bovid species.

How can mating systems inform future biobanking strategies? An illustration using two Indonesian bovids, banteng (Bos javanicus) and lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis)

Storing cryopreserved spermatozoa in a genome resource bank safeguards against the loss of heterozygosity in endangered species and provides opportunities to reincorporate genes into populations through the application of assisted reproductive technologies. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of breeding strategy on ejaculate characteristics to illustrate how this information may be used to select appropriate methods for the storage and use of cryopreserved sperm. In the present study, ejaculates from a polygynous bovid, banteng (Bos javanicus), were characterized (motility 72.7 ± 4.3%; total sperm count 2,702 ± 764 ×106 sperm; morphologically normal sperm 87.9 ± 3.0%), as well as ejaculates from a monogamous bovid, lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis; motility 47.5 ± 5.4%; total sperm count 279 ± 84 ×106 sperm; morphologically normal sperm 69.0 ± 6.1%). As banteng produce an ejaculate with characteristics similar to domestic cattle, translating assisted reproductive technologies from domestic cattle is feasible. By contrast, lowland anoa produce smaller quantities of sperm with a higher prevalence of morphologically abnormal sperm; thus, alternative protocols, optimized for the storage and use of ejaculates containing lower quantities of sperm, is necessary. Sperm tail length was more conserved in banteng (CV 2.7%) than lowland anoa (CV 6.4%) and could be due to differences in levels of sperm competition between species. Additionally, the use of three different diluents (Biladyl, TES-Tris yolk buffer, and whole milk) were investigated for banteng sperm cryopreservation. Sperm cryopreserved in Biladyl and whole milk diluents produced significantly higher post-thaw survival parameters then TES-Tris yolk buffer.

Application of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding Method to Identify Threatened Sulawesi Mammal Based on 12S rRNA Gene

Species detection and identification is a crucial steps in biodiversity assessment. Traditional methods are often invasive and resource intensive. The number of studies demonstrating successful of eDNA metabarcoding approach in species identification has increased rapidly in recent years. Some of large terrestrial mammals have reportedly utilize natural salt licks as a source of minerals in the diet and its genetic material left in the environment can be used to identify species from this site. An eDNA metabarcoding protocol had been carried out to identify Sulawesi mammals from Adudu natural salt-licks, Nantu Wildlife Reserve, Gorontalo. Environmental DNA were extracted from water samples, Amplicon libraries were prepared by PCR amplification and Illumina MiSeq high throughput sequencing. Reads processing and taxonomic assignment carried out in two bioinformatics packages, PipeCraft-1.0 and OBITools-2.11. Two endangered Sulawesi mammals species had been identified, i.e. lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa). The accuracy of mammal species identification using eDNA metabarcoding is affected by rigorous experimental procedures, DNA marker reliability, and availability of reference sequence database.

Haplotype Diversity of Swamp Buffalo and River Buffalo Based on Cytochrome B Gene: A Study of Meta-Analysis

Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is well known as a domesticated buffalo in Asia. The genetic diversity of buffaloes in Asia needs to be studied to ensure a proper breeding program. A meta-analysis study on the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial genome from various published data was conducted to evaluate genetic variation and haplo-geography of Asian buffaloes. A meta-analysis is used to provide a comprehensive view of the data. A total of 1369 swamp buffaloes Cytochrome B sequences (from Indonesia (79), Bangladesh (98), China (909), India (4), Laos (96), Taiwan (29), Thailand (54), and Vietnam (100)) and 91 river buffaloes (from China (42), Nepal (42), and Pakistan (7)) were used in this study. Cytochrome B sequences (678 bp) of Syncerus caffer, Bubalus arnee, Bubalus depressicornis, Bubalus quarlesi, Bubalus mindorensis, swamp buffalo, and river buffalo were determined for their haplotypes using DnaSP v6 program. Haplotypes were analyzed by Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) using Adegenet Package and Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC) methods using Factoextra and FactoMineR Package in R-4.0.0 program. Bayesian analysis of genetic differentiation was implemented in BAPS 6.0. Furthermore, we found 56 haplotypes for swamp buffaloes in eight Asian countries and 5 haplotypes for river buffaloes in Pakistan. We also found 5 haplotypes for outgroup (B. arnee, S. caffer, B. depressicornis, B. quarlesi, B. mindorensis). Therefore, we found 66 haplotypes in total with outgroup sequences. Based on the PCoA results, three clusters were found. However, the HCPC found eight clusters. Based on HCPC, countries in East and South Asia have four maternal lineages. This is evidence that buffalo domestication has first occurred in East-South Asia. In conclusion, we found four maternal lineages of swamp buffalo and two maternal lineages of river buffalo from ten countries. We also found one maternal lineage for Syncerus caffer and one maternal lineage for B. depressicornis, B. quarlesi, and B. mindorensis.

The genome of the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) illuminates the origin of river and swamp buffalo

Two types of domestic water buffalo are currently recognized: the river buffalo from the Indian subcontinent and Mediterranean countries and the swamp buffalo from China and Southeast Asia. To test the hypothesis of two separate species of water buffalo, we sequenced the genome of the lowland anoa, Bubalus depressicornis, which is a dwarf wild buffalo endemic to Sulawesi, and two genomes of swamp buffalo, and made comparisons with 12 additional genomes. Three genomic data sets were constructed to infer phylogenetic relationships: the mitochondrial genome (15,468 bp; maternal transmission), two concatenated Y-chromosomal genes, AMELY and DDX3Y (20,036 bp; paternal transmission), and a selection of 30 nuclear genes representing all cattle chromosomes (364,887 bp; biparental transmission). The comparisons between our 30 nuclear gene sequences obtained by read mapping and those directly extracted from Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis genome assemblies show that the mapping approach revealed higher levels of heterozygosity at both nucleotide sites and indels (insertions and deletions) (0.09–0.15%), as well as several sequence errors (0.07%). Our phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses provide strong evidence that the lowland anoa, river buffalo, and swamp buffalo are three distinct taxa which separated rapidly from each other during the Pleistocene epoch. We therefore conclude that two species of domestic water buffalo should be distinguished: Bubalus bubalis for the river buffalo and Bubalus kerabau for the swamp buffalo. The new classification can have deep implications for understanding the evolution and selection of domesticated forms and for the conservation and management of wild buffalo populations in South and Southeast Asia.

The first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the endangered mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) and phylogenetic analysis

The mitochondrial genome is able to provide important information for evolutionary biology. Therefore, this research aims at characterizing that of Bubalus quarlesi mitochondrial genome. Furthermore, it was entirely 16,354 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA, and two rRNA genes, one putative control region. All PCGs, however, used a typical ATN as start codon, while the stop codon were typically TAA, TGA, and TGA, with the exception of nad3 and nad6 genes using TCA. It was also observed that the lowest evolution rate of PCG was cox1, while the highest was atp8. Meanwhile, a phylogenetic analysis based on 13 PCGs was performed on 14 bovine species, using Bayesian and maximum likelihood, and its tree indicated that B. quarlesi belongs to the subtribe of Bubalina, closely related to Bubalus depressicornis. These, therefore, provide novel meaningful insights for the conservation genetics and population genetics of B. quarlesi.

Anoa, dwarf buffalo from Sulawesi, Indonesia: Identification based on DNA barcode

Priyono DS, Solihin DD, Farajallah A, Arini DID. 2018. Anoa, dwarf buffalo from Sulawesi, Indonesia: Identification based on DNA barcode. Biodiversitas 19: 1985-1992. Anoa is an endangered endemic species in Sulawesi. The controversial issue of anoa conservation until now is the taxonomic status of lowland and mountain anoa. This study aims to test the ability of DNA barcoding techniques to identify the taxonomy between mountain anoa and lowland anoa. A 681bp fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was obtained and used to solve the molecular taxonomic problem and to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of the two types of anoa. Our results showed that the DNA barcode is useful in assigning the taxonomic position of anoa. In the phylogenetic tree, we found that the two types of anoa were in separate clades. We also found that based on the Kimura-2 parameter (K2P), the genetic distance between the two types of anoa showed higher values (3.4%) than the threshold of the separating species level. We, therefore, proposed that the binomial nomenclature for both types of lowland and mountain anoa are respectively Bubalus depressicornis and Bubalus quarlesi. We suggest that the use of DNA barcode techniques in anoa taxonomic studies and their implementation will be useful in conservation management

A new extinct dwarfed buffalo from Sulawesi and the evolution of the subgenus Anoa: An interdisciplinary perspective

Abstract The fossil and extant faunas of Sulawesi, the largest island within the Wallacea biogeographic region, exhibit a high degree of endemism. The lowland anoa Bubalus depressicornis and the mountain anoa Bubalus quarlesi, two closely-related dwarfed buffaloes, are among the most peculiar endemic mammals of the region. Here, I describe a new species, Bubalus grovesi, from the Late Pleistocene/Holocene of South Sulawesi and I give a revised diagnosis of Anoa. Bubalus grovesi sp. nov. differs from all previously described Bubalus in both the size and proportions of the skeleton and in possessing a unique combination of discrete character states. Body mass estimates suggest an average mass of 117 kg for Bubalus grovesi sp. nov. and a body size reduction of about 90% with respect to a typical water buffalo. A comprehensive overview of body mass estimates of dwarfed buffaloes and differences in their dental and postcranial features is included. Finally, new evidence on the taxonomy and island dwarfing of the anoas and available data from different disciplines are used to discuss the timing and mode of their evolution. The representatives of the subgenus Anoa would be dwarfed forms of the Asian water buffalo that arose following dispersal to Sulawesi during the Middle/Late Pleistocene.

OBSERVASI SIKLUS ESTRUS PADA ANOA (Bubalus depressicornis) DI ANOA BREEDING CENTRE MANADO

ABSTRACT OBSERVATION OF ANOA (Bubalus depressicornis) ESTRUS CYCLE IN ANOA BREEDING CENTRE OF MANADO . Anoa is endemic to the island of Sulawesi and the biggest wild animal among fauna in Sulawesi. This anoa population is decreasing, so that the population needs sustainable conservation involving good reproduction management. The strategy of the reproduction management was knowledge of this animal reproduction cycles including estrus cycles of anoa at the Anoa Breeding Centre Manado. Objective of this study was to evaluate estrus cycles of anoa. Materials used in this study were four heads of female anoa at ages of 2.5, 6,5, 7 and 8 years old. Data were collected by focal animal sampling on each female anoa (Manis, Denok, Anna and Rita). Estrus detection was applied using non-automatically estrus detection method. Estrus observation was conducted daily at 06.00-18.00 Indonesian central time. Estrus anoa was detected on the basis of the visual estrus symptom (VES) and readiness of female anoa receiving the female to copulate. Rectal temperature was measured daily in the morning and afternoon using thermometer. Results showed that based on observation of VES revealed the estrus symptom including nervous, urination, shaking tail, reddish vulva, swelling vulva and transparent mucus from vulva, coming near male anoa, smelling the male genital, attempting to mount another anoa, being mounted by anotherand stands to be mounted by one of her herdmates. Estrus time period was a day with estrus cycles of 26 days (Manis), 30 days (Denok). Average of rectal temperatures was 41.7o C. It can be concluded that estrus cycles of anoa at Anoa Breeding Centre Manado was ranging from 26-30 days with estrus period was one day. Key words: anoa, estrus cycles, estrus symptom.

A long life among ruminants: giraffids and other special cases

In order to investigate differences in the relative maximum longevity and other life history parameter between ruminant species, we collated data on mean body mass, maximum longevity, gestation period and newborn mass in wild ruminant and camelid species. Among ruminants, giraffids (giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis and okapi Okapia johnstoni) have particularly high longevities, long gestation periods, and low intrauterine growth rates. A particularly high absolute and relative longevity is also achieved by the anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), a member of the bovinae (cattle-type ruminants) and an insular dwarf (inhabiting the Indonesian island of Sulawesi). The fact that some (but not all) other small ruminants also achieve surprisingly high longevities leads to the hypothesis that extreme relative longevities in this group are an indication for secondary body size reduction.

Efeito de diferentes tipos de argilas e modificadores orgânicos na morfologia e propriedades térmicas dos nanocompósitos de PET

Argilas bentoníticas natural e purificada (AN e AP) e montmorilonita (MMT), modificadas organicamente com os sais alquil amônio (A), alquil fosfônio (F) e com uma mistura de ambos (A e F), foram incorporadas, em teor de 1% em massa, ao PET pelo processo de fusão. Os híbridos obtidos foram caracterizados por difratometria de raios X (DRX), termogravimetria (TG), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). Nanocompósitos com morfologia intercalada ordenada e intercalada desordenada/esfoliada foram obtidos quando manufaturados com as argilas organofilizadas com sal amônio e com a mistura dos sais amônio e fosfônio. A incorporação das argilas organofilizadas com o sal fosfônio ao PET não resultou na formação de nanocompósitos. As argilas organofílicas ANOA, APOF e MMTOF, quando misturadas ao PET, provocaram aumento da sua estabilidade térmica, além de atuarem como agentes nucleantes heterogêneos para o referido polímero, aumentando sua temperatura de cristalização. Este resultado é significativo do ponto de vista industrial, pois a baixa velocidade de cristalização do PET dificulta seu uso na preparação de artefatos injetados. Além disso, como as argilas bentoníticas fornecidas por empresa local apresentaram comportamento semelhante ao da montmorilonita importada, o uso dessa matéria-prima de menor custo, modificada com tecnologia nacional, pode ser uma alternativa atraente para aplicações do PET moldado por injeção onde o custo é um fator primordial.

Pineocytoma in a Lowland Anoa ( Bubalus depressicornis)

This report describes the first case of a pineocytoma in an 18-year-old female lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). The tumour grossly appeared as a focal, non-infiltrative, yellow-tan, encapsulated mass occupying the normal anatomical location of the pineal gland. Microscopical, immunohistochemical and electron microscopical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of pineocytoma an entity not previously described in this member of the buffalo subgenus species.

Nutrition of captive lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis): a study on ingesta passage, intake, digestibility, and a diet survey

Members of the Bovini genus are classified as grazers. Smaller species of ruminants are not expected to be able to digest particularly fibrous diets and are more often classified as intermediate feeders or browsers. Anoas (Bubalus spp.) are interesting in this respect as they are the smallest representatives of the Bovini, being only 10-20% of the body weight of other species of the same genus. A feeding trial was carried out with four lowland anoas (Bubalus depressicornis) at London Zoo, investigating diet digestibility by total fecal collection and passage rates by the simultaneous administration of a fluid (Co-EDTA) and a particle (Cr-mordanted fibre <2 mm) marker. The diet consisted of legume hay, dairy cow pellets, browse, fruits, and vegetables. The achieved digestibility coefficients averaged 70±4% for dry matter and 57±7% for cell walls (NDF). Mean retention times for the total gastrointestinal tract were 25±4.1 hr for fluid and 39±6.7 hr for particles, respectively. The ratio of forestomach particle:fluid retention was 2.14±0.40. Additional information regarding anoa diets in captivity was collected through a survey targeting all institutions that have anoas in their collection currently. Suitability of the provided diet was evaluated using the ratio of unstructured:structured feeds (unstructured feeds pellets, grains, produce; structured feeds=roughage, browse) on a dry matter basis and an assumed complete consumption of offered unstructured diet items, with only the remaining intake capacity being met by structured items. The use of this ratio reliably predicted one facility that reported chronic diet-related problems. As other ruminants, anoas should receive a diet with restricted amounts of concentrates and fruits. The comparatively high fibre digestibility and the high selective particle retention in the forestomach suggest a classification of an intermediate/grazing ruminant.

The taxonomic status, distribution and conservation of the lowland anoa Bubalus depressicornis and mountain anoa Bubalus quarlesi

ABSTRACT 1. The anoas are two species of dwarf buffalo, the lowland anoa Bubalus depressicornis and mountain anoa Bubalus quarlesi that are endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The classification of the subgenus Anoa within Bubalus is upheld by assessment of recent genetic and morphological research. The classification of anoas into two species is still debated, but with the absence of significant opposing evidence, this position is adopted here. 2. Information about the distribution of the two species is presented that adds to but largely supports existing reports. However, it is still uncertain whether the two putative species are sympatric or parapatric in their distribution. A review of anoa distribution from historical reports and recent field data (1990s to 2002) highlights their decline throughout Sulawesi, especially in the southern and north‐eastern peninsulas. The decline has been attributed to local hunting for meat and habitat loss. Most populations are rapidly becoming fragmented, suggesting that the conservation of viable populations may eventually require management of metapopulations. 3. There is an urgent requirement for conservation efforts to: (i) protect anoas from hunting; (ii) prevent habitat loss in key sites; (iii) complete genetic studies to better determine the number of anoa taxa and Management Units and assess their distribution; and (iv) determine the status of the remaining anoa populations.

Sequence analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene can identify meat species

In this study, sequence analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA has been applied for meat species identification. The procedure involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a fragment of mitochondrial (mt) 12S rRNA gene and sequencing of amplicons. Amplified product of mt 12S rRNA gene was 456 bp in size. Species sequenced include cattle ( Bos indicus), buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis), sheep ( Ovis aries), goat ( Capra hircus) and mithun ( Bos frontalis). Sequences were compared with the reported sequences of low land anoa ( Bubalus depressicornis), yak ( Bos grunniens) and pig ( Sus scrofa). There was no effect of routinely used additives or cooking temperature (72, 90, 120 and 180 °C) on the efficacy of PCR amplification. The closely related species like cattle and buffalo, sheep and goat could also be differentiated decisively by sequence analysis. Sequencing and analysis of mt 12S rRNA gene was, hence, found to be an ideal, authentic and unambiguous qualitative method for meat species identification.