Hystrix Javanica Research Articles

Trade of skulls as novelty and aquarium objects are an additional threat to porcupines

The commercial exploitation of wildlife affects many species, including porcupines that are traded for meat, as pets, and for medicinal purposes. Here we report on a novel trade in Sunda Porcupine Hystrix javanica skulls in Bali specifically for curios and as aquarium novelty objects. Since 2018, the species is protected within Indonesia and the sale of skulls is illegal. Between December 2022 and November 2023, we visited wildlife shops in seven towns, and conducted a survey of online sellers. We recorded 44 porcupine skulls in 11 shops and 10 skulls online. Skulls sold as curios were intricately carved and were priced at USD 61, whereas skulls sold as hiding caves for aquarium fish were not carved and priced at USD 22. Porcupine skulls were sourced from Bali and Java. Especially the carved skulls are marketed primarily for international tourists and may be inadvertently taken abroad. The novel trade in skulls adds to a multitude of threats faced by porcupines, and there is a need for improved regulations and enforcement against illegal trade. Appropriate mitigation measures need to be developed to protect porcupines from unsustainable and illegal exploitation and will require the full operation of the commercial sector, local and national governments, the tourism industry and the Indonesian public.

Hematological profile of free-range Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Background: The Sunda porcupine, or the Javan porcupine (Hystrix javanica), is a rodent native to Indonesia. Although information about its conservation status is available, the hematological profile is limited. The normal hematological profile of an animal is essential as a basic health indicator to determine the initial state of a pathological process of a disease. Since the hematological profile can provide significant evidence regarding the health status of the species, the Sunda Porcupine's hematological profile can benefit conservation initiatives. Therefore, hematological evaluation of these porcupines can play a role in conservation initiatives, breeding strategies and the prevention of zoonotic diseases. Aim: This research revealed the routine blood evaluation and white blood cell morphological features of the free-ranging Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica). Methods: Blood samples from four free-range individuals captured Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) were obtained intracardially for routine hematological evaluation and white blood cell staining for morphological identification. The profiles were then analyzed descriptively. Results: Hematology profile averages were generally 4.04 x106/Ul for RBC; Hemoglobin was in 12.83 g/dL; Hematocrit by 37.8%; MCV 107.1 fl; MCH 31.80 pg; MCHC 31.23 g/dL; while WBC and platelet (PLT) were at 9.67 x103/uL and 503.00 x103/uL, respectively. Conclusion: The morphology of red blood cells, white blood cells, and the hematological profile of the Javan hedgehog is not much different from that of other mammals such as crested porcupines, ferrets, and guinea pigs. Until now, there has been limited research on the hematology of Sunda porcupines, which has led to a limited understanding of their health status. We anticipate that the findings of this study will serve as a diagnostic instrument for evaluating the health condition of Sunda porcupine and serve as a benchmark.

Potential of Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica) Quills Extract as a Wound Healing Medicine: A Review of the Bioactive Components and Mechanisms

Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), a native species of Indonesia, is renowned for its distinctive sharp quills enveloping its body. Despite its reputation as a spiky creature, the use of porcupine quills in traditional medicine in Indonesian society, especially for toothache and stomach ulcers, shows that there are benefits as an alternative to herbal medicine that has yet to be fully explored. Even outside Indonesia, North American porcupine quills are reported to have antibiotic properties related to the free fatty acids that coat the spines. Extracts of Sunda porcupine quills have also shown interesting antibacterial activity. Several bioactive compounds have been found in Sunda porcupine quills extract, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, and peptides. These compounds have various health benefits, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. In addition, the antibacterial activity test on the extract showed strong potential against the growth of gram-positive bacteria. The activities of secondary metabolites that play a role in helping wound healing are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial/antimicrobial activities. Wound healing mechanisms involve several complex interactions of various cellular and molecular processes. Recent research has revealed the great potential of extracts from Sunda porcupine quills as a wound healing medicine. Although the potential of Sunda porcupine quills extract as a wound healing medicine has attracted attention, this research still has limitations. Critical measures, such as in vivo and in vitro testing, still need to be improved, leaving gaps in information that require further research. The challenge of an in-depth understanding of the activity and mechanisms of bioactive compounds is the focus on optimizing the utilization of Indonesia's natural potential. This article reviews the bioactive components of Sunda porcupine quills extract and their mechanism as a wound healing agent.

EKSPLORASI POTENSI FAUNA DI KAWASAN SUNGAI CIPUNAGARA KABUPATEN SUBANG SEBAGAI REKOMENDASI PENGEMBANGAN KAWASAN KONSERVASI

The variety of fauna is one of the certain natural wealth of Indonesia. Yet human characterisic to destroy forest has inflicted a loss. Therefore the fauna in its real habitat needs more attention so it may become a media in conserving the fauna and the habitat in order to save it for the future generation. The object of research is help to preserve the existing fauna and conservation area. The method of research by transect path and interviewing people around Wildlife Reserve of Cipunagar River, the observation on the location was done by following direction and position of transect diameter slowly and at the same time making note of any fauna species found. The result of the research that was done in wildlife resrve of Cipunagara River showed that there were 12 species of 8 families, are Panthera tigris sondaicus, Panthera pardus melas, Nisaetus bartelsi, Pteropus vampyrus, Trachypithecus auratus, Presbytis comate, Hystrix javanica, Sus verrucosus, Macaca fascicularis, Gallus gallus, and Colluricincla sp. The recommendation of fauna potential and conservation area is Taman Hutan Raya.

Fecal Bacterial community and potential pathogens from Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica) based on nanopore 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing

Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is an endemic rodent species to Indonesia. Potential zoonoses from this bushmeat is poorly studied although it has become a popular bushmeat in several regions Java Island. The aims of this preliminary study were to assess bacterial community and to observe any potential pathogenic bacteria in Sunda porcupine. A freshly defecated feces from a healthy Sunda porcupine was collected aseptically and then subjected for DNA extraction and 16S rRNA amplification before further process for DNA sequencing in the Nanopore MinION Mk1b. After analysis using EPI2ME Labs. A total 34 phyla were detected, dominated by Firmicutes (77.32%) followed by Bacteroidetes (14.23%), and Proteobacteria (3.26%). Meanwhile, more than 760 genera were observed, dominated by Bacteroides (5.88%), Romboutsia (4.64%) and Clostridium (3.99%). Nonpathogenic bacteria were dominantly observed in the sample but several potential pathogenic bacteria were also detected, including Shigella (0.01%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (0.01%), Prevotella loescheii (0.02%), Salmonella (0.002%) and Vibrio cholera (<0.001%). Although the pathogenic bacteria were detected in a very low proportion, their presence may raise a concern when fecal contamination occurred during meat processing. Proper hygiene and sanitation are critical parts of to prevent food borne pathogens transmission to humans.

Morphological investigation of intestine structure of the Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Abstract. Yuliastuti, Prawira AY, Wahid ME, Nisa’ C, Agungpriyono S. 2022. Morphological investigation of intestine structure of the Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica). Biodiversitas 23: 4793-4799. The intestine is an important part of the digestive system, which plays a role in the enzymatic process of food and the absorption of nutrients for survival. Sunda porcupine is one of the wild and protected animals in Indonesia and belongs to the group of rodents that have hindgut fermenter characteristics. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the intestine structure of the Sunda porcupine as an important part of the digestive system. Three adults of Sunda porcupine were euthanized in accordance with ethical approval of the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) of IPB University (No. 92-2018 IPB). Gross anatomy of the macrostructure and length of the intestine, as well as histology features, such as general structure and carbohydrate content using PAS and AB pH 2.5 staining method, were observed. The organ consisted of the small and large intestine, with the duodenal ampulla and large caecum as the prominent structure. In this study, body weight and length correlated positively to intestinal length. The histological observation showed the presence of Brunner’s gland in the duodenum and it has the highest villi compared to others, while villi was absent in the large intestine. Furthermore, the small intestine exhibited various intensities with PAS and AB stain, while the large intestine had strong intensity in the goblet cell. Brunner gland in duodenum demonstrated the moderate intensity of PAS stain compared to the goblet cell in the mucosa. This study provides information about the intestine structure of Sunda porcupine as the herbivore and hindgut fermenter

Antibacterial activity of Sunda porcupine quill extract (Hystrix javanica) against Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract. Gifardi MD, Sutardi LN, Farida WR, Prawira AY, Agungpriyono S. 2022. Antibacterial activity of Sunda porcupine quill extract (Hystrix javanica) against Staphylococcus aureus. Biodiversitas 23: 4355-4360. The Sunda porcupine (Hystrix Javanica) is a rare mammal with quill-like hair covering its body. Because the Sunda porcupine has extensive sebaceous glands, the neutral carbohydrate content is well-distributed and is known to have excellent wound healing. In addition, the high acid content of porcupine quills is believed to influence wound healing by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause infection on the skin. This study aims to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of the Sunda porcupine quill extract, determine the antibacterial ability of the Sunda porcupine quill extract, and examine the influence of concentration variations on the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Well-diffusion testing of the antibacterial activity of the Sunda porcupine quill extract (so that it is well-diffusion). The test findings demonstrated that the Sunda porcupine quill extract possessed antibacterial properties. The antibacterial activity of porcupine quill extract was indicated by the diameter of the clear zone (inhibition zone) based on the variation of the extract concentration used, namely 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.5625%. The antibacterial activity of the Sunda porcupine quill extract was seen at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25%, with the average diameter of the clear zone being 14.88 mm ± 2.43; 12.24 mm ± 2.59; and 12.74 mm ± 3.69. The test results showed an effect of variations in the concentration of Sunda porcupine quill extract on the diameter of the clear zone (P??=0.05) based on the one-way ANOVA test. Sunda porcupine quill extract with concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25% is included in the category of strong antibacterial so that it can be used as an antibacterial agent.

Determination of thick and thin fibres distribution in Sunda porcupine dorsal skin (Hystrix javanica) using Picrosirius red staining.

The complexity of the Sunda porcupine skin has become an important topic due to the unique characteristics of its quill follicles. The structure and chemical composition of the skin has affected many physiological and other conditions. Generally, quills are larger, stronger and stiffer than hair; therefore, the skin structure needs to adapt to support their physiology. The strength of the skin is determined by its collagen composition and arrangement; therefore, this study aims to analyse the composition and distribution of thick and thin fibres based on the specific characteristics of Sunda porcupine skin under polarized light using picrosirius red staining. The skin samples used were from the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions of eight Sunda porcupine adults. The histological staining was carried out using the picrosirius red method, while the samples were observed under a polarized light microscope and analysed with software. The results showed that the skin is composed of 36%-65% thick fibres, 20%-35% thin fibres and small amounts of other types with the lumbosacral region having higher compositions of thick and thin fibres than those in the thoracodorsal region. Furthermore, the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions have the highest composition of thick fibre in the deeper dermis and quill follicle, respectively. These demonstrated that the complexity of the skin structure of Sunda porcupine due to its quill derivates correlated with its collagen composition and distribution.

Fatty acid composition profiling in the dorsal skin of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica).

The fatty acid composition in the skin of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is an interesting topic due to the special features of quills, especially in the dorsal region. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the composition of fatty acids in the dorsal region of Sunda porcupine skin. It was conducted using skin samples of the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions taken by biopsies and from frozen specimens. The skin lipid was extracted and then derivatized into fatty acid methyl ester before analyzing with gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The results showed that the skin is composed of up to 25 fatty acids ranging from C12 to C25 with various types but only 16 were found in both regions and sexes. Fatty acids with an antibacterial effect were found abundantly, such as oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids. The total abundance in the thoracodorsal region was higher than lumbosacral, while the composition in male was higher than in female. Based on the results, the fatty acid composition in the dorsal skin region of Sunda porcupine consists of at least 16 types ranging from C12-C25. Additionally, the region and sex were observed to contribute significantly to the variation in skin fatty acid composition.

Growth performance and prediction of carcass production of captive javan porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Porcupines are unique mammals, their upper body is covered with hard hair resembling sharp cylindrical spines and belongs to the order Rodentia. It has long been used as a source of animal protein. Javan porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is an endemic animal on Java and its population is estimated to continue, due to habitat destruction, poaching, and its use without a conservation. Observations on the growth of young javan porcupines were carried out for 12 months in Small Mammal Captivity, Research Center Biology - Indonesian Institute of Sciences. This study aims to determine the growth performance of young porcupines in captivity based on number of births, namely singles, twins, and triplets. The young will be with their mother for 3 months, they will be placed in individual cages. Weighing porcupines is done once a week. The results suggest that porcupines continue grow until they are 12 months old and probably continued. The average weight gain of single born was 30.31 g/day; birth of twins 29.65 g/day, 29.72 g/day; and birth of triplets were 29.57 g/day, 28.14 g/day, and 29.79 g/day. Prediction of 12-month-old porcupine carcass production for single, twins, and triplets, respectively, was 6740.86 g; 6593.15 g; and 6470.50 g.

Characterization of trichuris species from porcupine (Hystrix cristata) at zoological garden of Spain

Population of Trichuris sp. isolated from Hystrix cristata was analyzed based on morphological, biometrical characteristics and mitochondrial (cox1, cob, rrnL) and ribosomal (ITS1) (rDNA) region sequences. Morphological and biometrical results revealed that Trichuris sp. from H. cristata present a high similarity with Trichuris landak from Hystrix javanica and less similarity with other Trichuris species from porcupine species (Trichuris hystricis, Trichuris lenkorani and Trichuris mettami). The lack of molecular data corresponding to Trichuris species that parasitize the porcupine (genus Hystrix and Atelerix) has not allowed a comparative molecular or phylogenetic study. Molecular analyses revealed the existence of two different haplotypes that did not correspond to different morphospecies. Relationships among Trichuris sp. from H. cristata and other Trichuris spp. have been resolved by molecular sequence data in this study. Thus, the combined analysis of one ribosomal and three mitochondrial markers revealed a sister relationship between whipworms parasitizing porcupine and other Trichuris spp. from rodents and canids and separated from the rest of Trichuris spp. from other hosts species. It is necessary accurate information on the possible zoonotic behavior of different Trichuris species for health workers to improve existing control measures. Thus, it is necessary to increase the studies of integrative taxonomy on Trichuris spp. based on morphological, biometrical and molecular data, which will inevitably contribute to our knowledge on the etiology of trichuriasis.

Does the Presence of Shade Trees and Distance to the Forest Affect Detection Rates of Terrestrial Vertebrates in Coffee Home Gardens?

Complex agroforestry systems can host similar biodiversity levels to adjacent continuous forests and can offer important ecosystem services for wildlife. Species inhabiting adjacent forests, as well as species that prefer agroforestry systems, can benefit from this habitat matrix. It is necessary, however, to understand the species-specific adaptability to such a complex matrix. Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot and hosts many endemic species that are threatened with extinction. Its human population relies heavily on agriculture, meaning that finding a balance between crop productivity and biodiversity is key for the long-term sustainability of local communities and wildlife. We aim to determine the influence of the presence of shade trees and distance to the forest on the detection rates of wildlife in coffee home gardens. In West Java, Indonesia, we monitored 23 gardens between April 2018 and March 2021 via camera traps, totalling 3856 days of monitoring in shade-grown and 3338 days in sun-exposed gardens. We also collected data in the nearby montane rainforest, totalling 1183 days of monitoring. We used Generalized Additive Models to estimate the influence of shade cover and distance to the forest on the detection rates of wildlife. The Sunda leopard cat Prionailurus javanensis was found more frequently in shade-grown gardens and used both the forest and agroforest matrix. Wild boars Sus scrofa mostly occurred in gardens adjacent to the forest, while barred buttonquails Turnix suscitator were associated with gardens far (&gt;1 km) from the forest. Several species (civets Viverricula indica and Paradoxus musangus javanicus, Horsfield’s treeshrew Tupaia javanica, Javan ferret badger Melogale orientalis, Javan mongoose Herpestes javanicus) were not influenced by shade cover and distance to the forest, suggesting they are well adapted to the agroforestry system. Still, species of high conservation importance, such as Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas, Sunda porcupine Hystrix javanica, and grizzled langur Presbytis comata, were present in the forest but not in the agroforest, suggesting that the replacement of the forest by the agroforestry matrix is still detrimental. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain the complexity of the agroforestry system and connectivity with the neighbouring continuous forest to favour the long-term sustainability of this environment and the conservation of endemic species.

Effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) powder in feed on nutrient digestibility and performance of sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica F. Cuvier)

The experiment has been conducted to determine the effect of the addition of turmeric and ginger powder as antioxidants into the feed of young sunda porcupines (Hystrix javanica) at the Captivity of Small Mammals, Zoology Division, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong, Bogor Regency, West Java. The experiment lasted for 62 days, consisting of 2 periods namely Period I (PI) addition of turmeric powder as much as 0 g (T0); 0.3 g (T1); 0.6 g (T2); 0.9 g (T3) and Period II (PII) addition of ginger powder as much as 0 g (T0); 0.3 g (T1); 0.6 g (T2); 0.9 g (T3) in the feed. During the study, 8 sunda porcupines were placed in a cage space of 2.0 m x 2.25 m x 2.50 m respectively. The preliminary period for each period lasts 10 days and 21 days (3 weeks) for the data collection period. The highest average consumption of dry matter (DMI) in the PI is in the female porcupine T1 followed by a male porcupine and female T3, T0, male T1, and lowest female T2. In PII with the addition of ginger powder in the feed, dry matter intake (DMI) decreased in all treatments. Increased digestibility of nutrients T0<T1<T2<T3 occurs in both PI and PII. The digestibility of crude fat is lower than the digestibility of other nutrients in PI and PII. The average value of the use of feed efficiency in the PI increased in the administration of turmeric powder 0.3 g (T1), and decreased in T2 and T3, while feed efficiency in PII decreased in T1 and increased in the administration of ginger powder 0.6 g (T2), and lowest at T3. The performance of young sunda porcupine showed normal growth and no health problems occurred.

Potential Zoonotic Faecal Bacteria from Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica ) and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles

Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is one of the Indonesian endemic species which is often sought after for their meat. Although it is becoming increasingly popular for extreme culinary, information regarding biological risks arising from this wildlife is very limited. This study aimed to assess potential zoonotic faecal bacteria carried by Sunda porcupine with culture-dependant approach and to investigate whether antimicrobial resistant isolates can be found in wildlife. A total 22 faecal samples were collected from captive Sunda porcupine and tested for the presence of pathogens in selective media for Salmonella and Listeria. After inoculating the samples in Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) Salmonella enrichment broth, two samples (9%) were regarded as positive for Salmonella in this presumptive test which indicated by growth black colonies on xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) agar. Meanwhile, the presence for Listeria was presumptively positive in all samples (100%), indicated by black colour appearance in Listeria isolation transwab. In total, 38 bacterial isolates were successfully purified, preserved and subjected for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by disk diffusion method. Resistance to ceftriaxone (3rd generation cephalosporins) was not detected while resistance to one or two antimicrobials was observed in seven isolates. Further, 16S rRNA bacterial identification was performed for selected isolates and based on sequence similarity on GenBank® databases and phylogenetic tree construction, those isolates were denoted as Pseudomonas xinjiangensis (XG4.4), Shigella sonnei (XD8.2 and G11.3), Proteus mirabilis (XH3.3, H4.2, and E1.2) and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (XF4.2). All identified isolates were sensitive to amikacin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin and ceftriaxone, except for one isolate Shigella sonnei (XD8.2) which was resistant to cefoxitin. Further research to confirm the pathogenicity of the isolates is still needed but based on these results, we support the hypothesies that Sunda porcupine is potential as a reservoir pathogenic bacteria and preventive measures are crucial to prevent transmission when processing this bushmeat.

Isolation, Identification, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test of Bacteria from Vulva Swab of African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Atelerix albiventris and Hystrix javanica are currently traded as pets or consumed in Indonesia, but there has been no research about bacteria from the vulva swab before. This research aims to isolate and identify bacteria from the vulva swabs of Atelerix albiventris and Hystrix javanica, and identify their antibiotic susceptibility. Samples were isolated by blood agar plates and selective media and identified by biochemical tests. Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test. The result showed that from Atelerix albiventris was isolated and identified Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis, while from Hystrix javanica was isolated and identified Escherichia coli. The identified Escherichia coli was sensitive to Amikacin, Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Enrofloxacin, Fosfomycin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Trimethoprim, and Kanamycin; intermediate to Streptomycin; and resistant to Erythromycin and Penicillin G. The identified Proteus mirabilis was sensitive to Amikacin, Amoxycillin, Kanamycin, Enrofloxacin, and Fosfomycin; and resistant to Erythromycin, Penicillin G, Streptomycin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, and Trimethoprim. This research concludes that Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis were isolated from vulva swab of Atelerix albiventris and Hystrix javanica, Escherichia coli was sensitive to eight antibiotics, while Proteus mirabilis was sensitive to five antibiotics.

Body measurements correlation and x-ray imaging of three Hystrix javanica fetuses in different fetal development stages.

Hystrix javanica is endemic species in Indonesia. Study about fetal development of Hystrix javanica are very rare because of sample limitation. This study was carried out to describe the morphometrics and x-ray analysis of three fetuses in different stage to give basic information about fetal development of Hystrix javanica. Three fetus samples fixed in Bouin’s solution was used in this study. Observation was carried out to identify the characteristic of three fetus samples. This included the pattern of hair, body measurements, body volume, and body weight. X-ray analysis was carried out to know the ossification process in the fetal development. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft 365® Excel program software. Three fetus samples had different specific hair pattern, that was hairless, smooth hairs, and smooth hairs with dense-non dense pattern. Body volume of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fetus were 23mL, 90mL, and 170mL, respectively. Body weight of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fetus were 19.5g, 79.22g, and 153.18g, respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis shown strong relationship between total body length, front body length, back body length, horizontal body diameter, vertical body diameter, head length, and head diameter against body volume and body weight of three fetuses. Significant positive correlation was shown between horizontal body diameter, vertical body diameter, and head diameter against body volume and body length with P value < 0.05. Faint radiopaque images showed in the 2nd fetus sample and strong radiopaque images showed in the 3rd fetus sample. Radiopaque images were identified in the teeth, cranium, vertebrae, and extremities bones. In this study we concluded that there was a specific hair pattern in different fetal stage. All body measurements have positive correlation with body volume and body weight and x-ray analysis shown that the ossification of the bone was started to happen while the smooth hair was growth.

Kandungan Nutrien Kulit Kopi Terfermentasi dan Potensinya sebagai Pakan Landak Jawa di Penangkaran

Jurnal Biologi Indonesia diterbitkan oleh Perhimpunan Biologi Indonesia. Jurnal ini memuat hasil penelitian ataupun kajian yang berkaitan dengan masalah biologi yang diterbitkan secara berkala dua kali setahun.

Potential Zoonotic Faecal Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance from Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica): A Preliminary Study

Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is one of the Indonesian endemic species which is often sought after for their meat. Although it is becoming increasingly popular for extreme culinary, information regarding biological risks arising from this wildlife is very limited. This study aimed to assess potential zoonotic faecal bacteria carried by Sunda porcupine with culture-dependant approach and to investigate whether antimicrobial resistant isolates can be found in wildlife. A total 22 faecal samples were collected from captive Sunda porcupine and tested for the presence of pathogens in selective media for Salmonella and Listeria. After inoculating the samples in Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) Salmonella enrichment broth, two samples (9%) were regarded as positive for Salmonella in this presumptive test which indicated by growth black colonies on xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) agar. Meanwhile, the presence for Listeria was presumptively positive in all samples (100%), indicated by black colour appearance in Listeria isolation transwab. In total, 38 bacterial isolates were successfully purified, preserved and subjected for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by disk diffusion method. Resistance to ceftriaxone (3rd generation cephalosporins) was not detected while resistance to one or two antimicrobials was observed in seven isolates. Further, 16S rRNA bacterial identification was performed for selected isolates and based on sequence similarity on GenBank® databases and phylogenetic tree construction, those isolates were denoted as Pseudomonas xinjiangensis (XG4.4), Shigella sonnei (XD8.2 and G11.3), Proteus mirabilis (XH3.3, H4.2, and E1.2) and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (XF4.2). All identified isolates were sensitive to amikacin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin and ceftriaxone, except for one isolate Shigella sonnei (XD8.2) which was resistant to cefoxitin. Further research to confirm the pathogenicity of the isolates is still needed but based on these results, we support the hypothesies that Sunda porcupine is potential as a reservoir pathogenic bacteria and preventive measures are crucial to prevent transmission when processing this bushmeat.

Morphological and Histological Studies on the Epididymis and Deferent Duct of the Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

The Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica) is an endemic species of Indonesia. The population of this species has been decreased by hunting and habitat loss. Understanding of reproductive characteristics is essential for the appropriate management of their population. However, there is little knowledge about reproductive features of this species. The epididymis and deferent duct are important organs for maturation, transport, and storage of sperm. In this study, therefore, the epididymis and deferent duct of Sunda porcupines were examined histologically, histochemically, immunohistochemically, and electron-microscopically to understand their structures and functions. Four adult wild porcupines that inhabit Central Java, Indonesia, were captured in June and September and euthanized. Then, the epididymides and deferent ducts were removed. Principal cells were the main cell type found in the epididymis with stereocilia and apical blebs, but both of these structures were absent in the deferent duct. These observations suggest high secretion and absorption capability by the epididymal epithelium. In the epididymis and deferent duct, PAS-positive principal cells were shown, and the immunoreactivities for 3β-HSD were found in the epithelium of the deferent ducts. These reults suggest effects on sperm by glycoproteins and steroid metabolites.

Sonoanatomy of female reproductive organ of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica).

The conventional anatomical study of specimens requires cutting processes which destruct the limited specimens. A non-destructive method, namely an ultrasonography, can be used to assess the anatomical organ information of those specimens. The aim of this research is to analyse the macroanatomy of the female reproductive organ in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), using ultrasonographical imaging. In this study, four formaldehyde-fixed reproductive organ specimens of the Sunda porcupine were used. A 10-12MHz linear ultrasound transducer was utilized to provide an imaging format of both longitudinal and transversal views. Photographic images were then used as comparison with a sonographic image. The results show that the ultrasound image of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organ soft tissue was hypoechoic, the lumen and antrum follicles were anechoic, while atretic follicles and the mons pubis were hyperechoic. Generally, the size of the organ was not significantly different between photographical and ultrasonographical imaging (p>.05). In conclusion, ultrasound images can be utilized for anatomical studies of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organs without destructing the specimen.