Population Of Sumatra Research Articles

Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan dengan Kepuasan Kerja Sebagai Variabel Intervening pada Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Sumatera Barat

This research aims to find out how much influence work motivation and work discipline have on employee performance with job satisfaction as an intervening variable at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. Documentation methods and types of primary data.. Research results obtained based on partial tests (T tests) obtained: There is a significant positive influence between work motivation and job satisfaction at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0.007. There is an insignificant positive influence between Work Discipline on Job Satisfaction at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0.612. There is an insignificant positive influence between work motivation on employee performance at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0.188. There is an insignificant negative influence between Work Discipline on Employee Performance at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0.101. There is a significant positive influence between Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0,000. There is an insignificant positive influence on Job Satisfaction mediating Work Motivation on Employee Performance at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0.040. There is an insignificant positive influence on Job Satisfaction mediating Work Discipline on Employee Performance at the West Sumatra Population and Civil Registration Service. With an influence of 0.587.

Protein Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Its Correlation to Smoking Status in North Sumatera Population

Tobacco smoking is associated to the increase risk of lung cancer, and smoking could also trigger the tumour proportion score from programmed death ligand (PD-L1). This study aims to identify the correlation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the PD-L1 expression and smoking profile on the North Sumatra Population. Lung cancer is a significant health issue worldwide, where it is the leading cause of death in men. In Indonesia, lung cancer ranks second in terms of incidence overall and first in men. The 5-year prevalence of lung cancer in Indonesia is 10.85 per 100,000 population. The case fatality rate (CFR) for lung cancer in Indonesia is 86.91%. This research implemented a descriptive study with cross-sectional design. 100 of patients with lung cancer were recruited, however; only 52 patients were diagnosed with NSCLC based on histopathological results. Subsequently, 35 samples were included in accordance to inclusion criteria. Staining on Ventana 22C3 platform was performed in Dharmais Cancer Hospital, and tumour proportion score was assessed by two experts of Pathologist. This study was carried out from August 2019 to September 2020. Results: Characteristics of patients with NSCLC to the PD-L1 expression were found more in male patients with percentage of 88.6%, whereas the most common type of cancer is adenocarcinoma, accounting for 97.14% of cases with mild degree smoking index for 45.7% (Brinkman index) and IV-stage of clinical status for 68.6%. The tumour proportion score with 1-49% was 51.4% with high expression of PD-L1 (positive) for 74.28%, while lower expression of PD-L1 accounted for 45%. There is a correlation between PD-L1 expression and smoking status in NSCLC patients, with p-value of 0.037 (<0.05).

Ex situ genetic conservation of Gonystylus bancanus (Miq.) Kurz in PT. Arara Abadi, Riau, Sumatra

Ex situ genetic conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. In the case of Gonystylus bancanus (Miq.) Kurz, an endangered species listed on CITES Appendix II and the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered, ex situ conservation effort has been undertaken by PT. Arara Abadi in Riau, Sumatra collaboration with the Centre for Forest Biotechnology and Tree Improvement Agency. This initiative aimed to preserve the genetic diversity of G. bancanus and ensure long-term survival by reducing the risk of extinction caused by habitat loss and other threats., Genetic material from G. bancanus populations in Sumatra and Central Kalimantan was collected during 2012 to 2016. The ex situ genetic conservation was established in PT. Arara Abadi, a private forest company. Each population was planted in two sites and each plot initially consisted of 456-546 plants covering an area of 1-1.3 hectares. After three years, the G. bancanus in ex situ conservation plot exhibited better growth in open areas than shaded ones, highlighting the species’ preference for exposed environments. The successful growth up to three-year-old plants demonstrates the effectiveness of ex situ conservation efforts of the G. bancanus and suggests the potential for future reintroduction or restoration programs.

Genetic variation and phylogenetic position of Taxus sumatrana (Miq.) de Laub. (Taxaceae) in Sumatra, Indonesia based on trnL-trnF region

Abstract. Kamal I, Arrofaha N, Susila, Yulita KS, Rachmat HH, Susilowati A. 2023. Genetic variation and phylogenetic position of Taxus sumatrana (Miq.) de Laub. (Taxaceae) in Sumatra, Indonesia based on trnL-trnF region. Biodiversitas 24: 5155-5166. Taxus sumatrana (Miq.) de Laub. is a synonym of T. wallichiana Zucc. by some authors based on morphological characters and its distribution. This species is a medicinal plant and contains taxol as an anti-cancer with slow natural regeneration rate and increasing threats to their existence. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic analysis using trnL-trnF for T. sumatrana growing in Sumatra, Indonesia. The total of 37 individuals from three natural populations of T. sumatrana were studied, consisting of the current new collection from Toba - North Sumatra and previously studied population of Dempo - South Sumatra and Sungai Penuh, Kerinci Seblat National Park - Jambi. The Toba population did not show variation at individual level within the population as similar results were obtained from the previous study. However, one indel (- and A) was found at 217 bp from all three T. sumatrana populations from Sumatra, Indonesia. When the sequences were aligned with the reference sequence from GenBank, single base substitutions were found at 344, 478,722, and 757 bp consisting of one indel and three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Phylogeny tree showed that T. sumatrana from Sumatra population clustered together with T. mairei and T. wallichiana var. mairei and later combined with other T. sumatrana available in NCBI.

Limnonectes from Enggano Island (Indonesia) with comments on its taxonomic status

Abstract. Gonggoli AD, Atmajaya VY, Kadafi AM, Arida EA, Hamidy A. 2023. Limnonectes from Enggano Island (Indonesia) with comments on its taxonomic status. Biodiversitas 24: 473-480. Limnonectes shompenorum is a fanged frog known to be distributed in the satellite islands of the western coast of Sumatra and some parts of mainland Sumatra. This frog was also recorded in Enggano Island, but the taxonomic status and morphological data information still need to be studied. Herein, we examined L. shompenorum from Enggano Island based on molecular methods using the 16S rRNA gene and redescribed its morphological characters. The phylogenetic trees were constructed using Neighbor-Joining (NJ), Maximum Likelihood (ML), and Bayesian Inference (BI) analysis, and morphological measurements were taken using 23 characters. The results demonstrate that L. shompenorum is a monophyletic group and a sister taxon of L. macrodon. The monophyletic group of L. shompenorum consists of two clades (A and B) with relatively large genetic distances within the population (0.00-5.10%), representing distinct interspecific lineages. Clade A consists of the Enggano population with a genetic distance within the population of 0.00-0.48%, and clade B consists of the Mentawai Islands and Mainland Sumatra with a genetic distance within the population of 1.48-2.74%. The Enggano population is closer to the Mentawai population (2.47-2.74%) than the Sumatra population (3.52-5.10%). Our genetic data aligns with previous studies that indicate the Enggano population possibly comes from the Mentawai population. Morphologically, L. shompenorum from Enggano Island is similar to the original description, however it has consistent, distinctive characteristics by having the fourth finger longer than the second finger in females. Further research using broader molecular data, including the holotype population, is needed to confirm the taxonomic status of L. shompenorum.

Haplotype Network and Molecular Evolution of Clarias batrachus in Sumatera Based COI Gene.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i> Clarias batrachus</i> is native to Asia, Sumatra was one of the islands that were divided due to the division of Sundaland because of a transgression event. The Bukit Barisan Mountains divide Sumatra into two parts: West and East. Therefore, it is important to research <i>C. batrachus</i> phylogeography. One of the mtDNA genes that can be used for phylogeographic is the CO1 gene. This study examined the association between geographic isolation in Sumatra's Eastern and Western watersheds and the phylogenetic relationships between <i>C. batrachus</i> populations in Sumatra and other Southeast Asia using the CO1 gene. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>Clarias batrachus</i> samples were collected from five populations 7 (Mungo River, Sinamar River, Agam River, Anai River and Lubuak Paraku River) from West Sumatra. The method of this research used the molecular method. The DNA isolation based on the COI gene follows the Invitrogen PureLink<sup>TM</sup> Genomic DNA Mini Kit protocol. Haplotype network using software Popart v.1.7 and molecular evolution analysis using software MEGA. <b>Results:</b> Based on a total of 28 sequences (including comparisons and outgroups) with 504 base pairs of the CO1 gene from <i>C. batrachus</i>, three haplogroups and 19 haplotypes were identified using the haplotype analysis. Speciation events between haplogroup 1 estimates are 0.41 Mya haplogroup 2 estimates are 0.50 Mya. <b>Conclusion:</b> The separation of Sundaland and the separation in Sumatra's Eastern and Western watersheds affects the kinship relationship of these populations with variations in subspecies level.

Sampling Survey Design Presidential Election Quick Count Sumatera Island

The number of TPS on the island of Sumatra is very large, in order to save time and money in conducting surveys, a sampling survey design was created. The purpose of this study is to predict the results of the presidential election on the island of Sumatra. The TPS sample frame was obtained in four stages where each stage used a sampling technique, namely the first and second stages used stratified random sampling, the third stage used systematic random sampling, and the last used clusters. The results obtained are with different TPS sample sizes showing the same results. The victory in the presidential election on the island of Sumatra was won by candidate pair number two. Then compared with the overall TPS population in Sumatra. Based on the population, the second candidate pair is also superior. So it can be concluded that the use of a survey sampling design in this study is appropriate in predicting the results of the elected president election.

Phylogenetic of Sumatran Clarias batrachus based COI Gene

Clarias batrachus is a species of fish that can be found in Sundaland. The separation of Sundaland resulted in the separation of the islands, one of which was the island of Sumatra. The island of Sumatra is divided into west and east sides by the Bukit Barisan mountains. So, it is necessary to study the phylogenetic of C. batrachus. The CO1 gene is one of the mtDNA genes that can be used for phylogenetic studies. This study was conducted to determine the geographical relationship to the phylogenetic relationship of C. batrachus populations in Sumatra and other populations in Southeast Asia using the CO1 gene and the relationship between geographic isolation in the eastern and western watersheds of Sumatra. Based on 504 bp of C. batrachus CO1 gene sequence and 19 comparison sequences, three sub-clusters with two subspecies were formed.

How many species are there in the monocot order Petrosaviales? Synonymization of Petrosavia amamiensis with P. sakuraii

A reassessment of taxonomy and geographical distribution of a widespread Asian mycoheterotrophic species Petrosavia sakuraii is presented. Petrosavia amamiensis recently described from the Japanese Ryukyu Islands is demonstrated to fit closely the morphological diversity of P. sakuraii. Data from geography, molecular phylogenetics and reproductive biology also provide no substantial evidences in favor of consideration of the specimens of Petrosavia from Ryukyu as a distinct species. Accordingly, P. amamiensis is here reduced to a taxonomic synonym of P. sakuraii. Worldwide distribution range of P. sakuraii is reviewed to summarize the scattered evidences accumulated to date in the forms of herbarium specimens and publications of range extensions. A disjunct distribution pattern is highlighted between the populations in Sumatra and the rest of the species range: P. sakuraii occurs from the Himalayas to the Honshu Island, but within the Indochinese Peninsula it is known only in its northernmost part. Finally, typification of P. sakuraii and its synonym P. sinii is revised, and lectotypes are designated for both names.

Hematological Parameters in Individuals with Beta Thalassemia Trait in South Sumatra, Indonesia.

Background β-Thalassemia has a very wide clinical variation, depending on the severity of the patient's condition. Individuals with β-thalassemia traits are usually asymptomatic; however, laboratory examination will show mild anemia with microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes morphology with wide variation depending on the genotype. This study was conducted to determine the reference value of hematological parameters and hemoglobin (Hb) analysis based on the phenotype of β-thalassemia (β0 and β+) and determine the differences of hematological characteristics between the two phenotypes. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted by evaluating the hematological parameters and Hb analysis of the β-thalassemia trait in the family of thalassemia patient population. The subjects were divided into β0 and β+. The subject with normal Hb analysis with or without iron deficiency was excluded. Results A total of 203 subjects with thalassemia traits were included from the families of thalassemia patients, consisting of 101 subjects with β0-thalassemia, 82 subjects with β+-thalassemia, and the mutation had not been found in 20 subjects. There was a relationship in the mean/median of hematological parameters, HbA2 and HbF, between β0-thalassemia and β+-thalassemia (P < 0.05). ROC for each hematological parameter, HbA2 and HbF, showed that the highest diagnostic value based on the area under the curve was mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (0.900) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (0.898). The cutoff point of MCH for β0-thalassemia trait was ≤20.5 pg (sensitivity 85%, specificity 90%) and MCV was ≤66.8 fL (sensitivity 87%, specificity 87%). Conclusion MCH values can be used as a screening tool for predicting β0-thalassemia in the relatives of thalassemia patients in the South Sumatra population.

Global extinction risk reassessment of the threatened tree Vatica venulosa (Dipterocarpaceae)

Vatica venulosa is one of the Dipterocarpaceae species that is threatened with extinction. Distributed in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo, the tree is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature) based on an assessment conducted in 1998. This assessment, however, was only based on the populations in Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to update the global conservation status of V. venulosa using all the occurrence records across the species’ natural distribution. Reduction analysis and geographic range of the species were calculated based on the occurrence data stored in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and scientific publications. Following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the category Vulnerable (VU A4c) was proposed as the new global conservation status of the species. Under this category, V. venulosa is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Therefore, comprehensive conservation action is needed to prevent it from extinction.

Distribution and genetic diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) on maize in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Nelly N, Hamid H, Lina EC, Yunisman. 2021. Distribution and genetic diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) on maize in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2504-2511. Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is a major maize pest, reportedly entering West Sumatra, Indonesia in early 2019. After a year of its discovery, there has been no information on the distribution and genetic diversity of this pest. In the present study, research has been carried out to obtain reliable information on the spread, incidence, and genetic diversity of this pest during July-October 2020 at the maize production center of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Sampling was then carried out using the purposive random sampling method, on maize fields in 5 districts (West Pasaman, Padang Pariaman, Solok, Limapuluh Kota and, Tanah Datar). The sample plots were determined with a size of 1x1m2 to observe the population and incidence, meanwhile, the observations were recorded on the larvae number and the percentage damage. Each district location's genetic diversity was analyzed based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene nucleotide variations amplified with specific primers. The observations show that S. frugiperda had attacked all maize planting sites in West Sumatra with the attacks ranging percentage from 12.78 to 41.25% and an average larval population of 0.26-1.05 larvae / 2 plants. The genetic diversity analysis results of the S. frugiperda West Sumatra population, on the phylogenetic tree, were divided into two groups, the first is group A which consisted of West Pasaman isolates, and Solok isolates. The second, Group B consisted of Padang Pariaman, Limapuluh Kota, and Tanah Datar isolates (The percentage genetic similirity 99.86-100%). The S. frugiperda population genetics in West Sumatra are similar to those isolates from several other countries in the world.

Clarification of Sumatran Mulberry (Morus macroura var. macroura, Moraceae) from West Sumatra, Indonesia using Nucleus Ribosomal ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) Gene

Background: Morus macroura Miq. is a potential tree species belonging to the Mulberry group, and consider as flora identity of West Sumatra Province with local name is Andalas. This germplasm tropical tree species utilize widely by local West Sumatran people for various purposes such as wood material to construct the traditional house of ethnic Minangkabau and medicinal substance for multiple diseases. However, the population numbers of this species were decreased and rare due to overexploitation without effort for planting. Based on this reason, it is imperative to conserve and utilize sustainable Mulberry. There is a highlight confusion to clarify that M. macroura from Sumatra population similar to Himalayan Mulberry. For this reason, it is essential to define the crucial local M. macroura from Sumatra (Sumatran Mulberry) for its conservation and sustainable utilization. Method: In this study, the leaves from seven individuals of M. macroura collected from West Sumatra were used for DNA extraction and processed to the next step of the analysis. Four individuals of Himalayan Mulberry and both of two out-group, White Mulberry (M. alba), and Black Mulberry (M. nigra) were used in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed using two ITS markers (ITS5-F and ITS4-R) with an annealing temperature of 55oC. The PCR products were purified and sequenced by Macrogen USA DNA Sequencing. The phyllogenetic relationship between seven accessions and two of out-group (M. alba and M. nigra) were analyzed using the MEGA6 program. Result: The result indicated that all of the accessions M. macroura from Sumatra were grouped into the same cluster and separated to the Himalayan Mulberry group. The differentiation between Sumatran Mulberry and other Mulberry reflected in morphological and haplotype differentiation indicated that the Sumatran Mulberry as the different group and suggested as a variety with scientific name is M. macroura Miq. var. macroura. This clarification is useful for conservation and sustainable utilization of this variety, a specific Mulberry from Sumatra.

Morphology and Genetic Diversity of Jabon Putih Seedling from 4 Populations in Sumatra, Nusa Kambangan, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi

Jabon putih (Neolamarckia cadamba) is a widely distributed potential fast-growing species and is thought to be associated with extensive genetic diversity. The aim of the research was to assess the morphological and genetic variation of jabon putih seedling based on AFLP markers. Randomized block design with 4 replications was used to assess seedling morphological variation on 31 families from 4 populations (Kapuas, Kampar, Nusa Kambangan, Pomalaa) based on traits of seedling height, diameter, sturdiness quotient, number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width at nursery. AFLP Analysis System I Kit by using dry leaf samples from each family was used. Characteristics of jabon putih seedlings had variation among populations and families within population. Genetic variation within population based on morphological traits had the similar trend with result of AFLP analysis. The highest genetic variation was detected in Kapuas population, followed by Pomalaa, Nusa Kambangan, and Kampar populations. Cluster analysis and UPGMA method had 2 cluster and put down most of families from Kapuas in one cluster separated from other families. Based on the genetic similarity analysis, 26 families could be considered as potential families for the establishment of breeding populations. The study has important practical implications for genetic resources management and for future breeding programs of jabon putih.

Kajian Genetika untuk Konservasi Badak Sumatera (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Gloger, 1841)

ABSTRACT The Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered species of large mammals due to habitat loss, fragmentation and illegal hunting so that the population of this species drastically decreased. At present, reproductive problems with a limited population are also a threat and require an appropriate solution. Therefore, data on molecular genetic information is very important as a basis for conservation management in maintaining long-term persistence of this species. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of CO1, 12SrRNA, and Cytochrome b gen from mitochondrial DNA genomes using neighbor-joining and genetic distance matrix calculations with the Kimura 2-parameter model (K2P) were implemented in pairwise distance calculations in the Mega (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis) program version 6.05. The study results show the genetic distance of Sumatran Rhinos from Sumatra and Kalimantan respectively 0.2 ± 0.00%, 0.8 ± 0.4%, and 0%. These results were reconfirmed that the Sumatran Rhino species in Sumatra and Kalimantan were taxonomy is no different. The study of genetic diversity based on D-loop of mitochondrial DNA contained 5 haplotypes, namely haplotypes 1 and 2 originating from the island of Sumatra and haplotypes 3, 4, and 5 originating from the island of Borneo. The genetic distance between individuals in this study ranged from 2.54 ± 1.4%, haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.8 ± 0.172, nucleotide diversity (Pi) was 0.02269, Fu’s Fs value was 2.523, and Tajima’s test was 0.69497. The positive value (Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s test) indicated low genetic diversity and population expansion in the Sumatran rhino. In the study using 10 microsatellite loci, where the average number of allel/loci in Kalimantan (1.68) was higher than in Sumatra (1.22). Data from this study show that genetic variation between Sumatran rhinoceros from Sumatra and Kalimantan can be used as a basis for alternative that the populations of Sumatra and Borneo be considered as a single management unit. Keywords: Sumateran Rhinoceros, Mitochondrial DNA, Microsatellite

THE STUDY ON THE INCOME AND PURCHASING POWER OF NORTH SUMATERA PROVINCE

North Sumatra Province has been the central node of Indonesian economy growth in Sumatra of Indonesia. The development of this province affects the regional economy. This study aimed at finding the effect of income levels on the purchasing power of the people of North Sumatra. To find the economic and welfare of population in this province, an associative research approach was conducted. It sought the level of income per capita correlation to the purchasing power of North Sumatra Province. The data from Central Bureau of Statistic (BPS, 2016) in which economic transactions of 2007 – 2015 was realised. The data analyze technique was a simple linear regression equation. After the calculation and analysis , the results showed that the level of income has a positive and significant impact on people's purchasing power in North Sumatra. It concluded the higher the income level of the North Sumatra population made the purchasing power increasing. So purchasing power was better if the income had beeen sufficient to meet the daily needs.

Tolerating tigers: Gaining local and spiritual perspectives on human-tiger interactions in Sumatra through rural community interviews

Religious beliefs and spiritual connections to biodiversity have the potential to reduce animosity towards wildlife that might otherwise present a real or perceived threat to local people. Understanding this social dynamic can therefore be important for formulating locally-appropriate species-specific conservation strategies. Using semi-structured interviews which incorporated human-tiger conflict scenarios, we investigated how beliefs towards tigers varied between ethnic groups living around a large protected area that is home to the largest tiger population in Sumatra. We gathered this information to determine the degree to which cultural tolerance may contribute to the survival of the tiger in the Kerinci Seblat landscape, Indonesia. From 154 interviewees, 133 respondents came from three main ethnic groups, Minangkabau, Kerincinese and Melayu. The majority (73.5%) of Minangkabau interviewees cited that their ethnic group had customary laws regarding tigers, as did 52% of Melayu and 44% of Kerincinese. Irrespective of ethnicity, most participants did not perceive there to be a connection between Islam and tigers. All participants acknowledged the existence of zoological tigers and two groups (Minangkabau and Kerincinese) held a strong common belief that different types of spirit tigers also existed. From presenting different human-tiger conflict scenarios, with varying levels of severity towards livestock or human life, an unprovoked tiger attack in the village elicited the most calls for the tiger to be killed. Yet, if a village or family member was killed by a tiger whilst hunting in the forest then most respondents across all ethnic groups said to do nothing. The frequency of this response increased if a tiger killed someone in the village who had committed adultery, reflecting beliefs associated with the role of the tiger as an enforcer of moral rule. Our study highlights the importance of consulting with local communities who live in close proximity to large and potentially dangerous carnivores when developing conflict mitigation strategies, which hitherto has not been the case in Sumatra.

Phylogenetic analysis of colubrid snakes based on 12S rDNA reveals distinct lineages of Dendrelaphis pictus (Gmelin, 1789) populations in Sumatra and Java

Nugraha FAD, Fatchiyah F, Smith EN, Nia Kurniawan N. 2018. ­­Phylogenetic analysis of colubrid snakes based on 12S rDNA reveals distinct lineages of Dendrelaphis pictus (Gmelin, 1789) populations in Sumatra and Java. Biodiversitas 19: 303-310. The phylogenetic relationship among the major colubrid snakes, particularly those of the subfamily Colubrinae, has been the subject of much debate. Also, there was limited data on the molecular relationships of Sundaland colubrid snakes. This study aimed to examine the relationships among colubrid snakes from Sumatra and Java based on fragments of 12S rDNA gene. We sequenced 17 specimens of colubrid snakes representing 5 genera and 2 subfamilies: Colubrinae and Ahaetullinae. We used maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods for inferring phylogenetic relationships. The result of our phylogenetic analyses is in line with the previous findings for the separation between Colubrinae and Ahaetullinae. Interestingly, we found two distinct clades of Dendrelaphis pictus species with the high genetic divergence between them where D. pictus from Sumatra and West Java separated from Central and East Java clade. Our divergence time estimation showed that the differentiation between these clades of D. pictus occurred in the late Miocene epoch (8.9 Ma) when Sumatra and Java separated after being inundated in the early Miocene epoch.

Museum specimens as Noah’s Arc of lost genes. The case of a rhinoceros from Sumatra in the Zoological Museum Hamburg

Understanding past and present genetic diversity, in particular in endangered species such as the rhinoceroses, is of paramount importance for a series of aspects in natural history, evolutionary systematics and conservation. As it turned out from several recent studies even in eminent museum specimens the historical context including its provenance often remains unresolved. At the same time modern molecular genetic techniques make this material more and more available also for integrative studies. With probably less than fifty extant specimens, among the Asian rhinoceroses the Javan rhinoceros, Rhinoceros sondaicus, is one of the most critically endangered mammal species, rendering also each of its rare museum specimens of great significance. We here apply available DNA isolation and sequencing techniques to a horn of a specimen housed at the Zoological Museum in Hamburg with indication as to derive from the extinct conspecific Sumatra population. In comparison with already existing mitochondrial gene fragment sequence data of Asian rhino populations, we were able to verify the identification of this particular museum specimen as of the nearly equally rare Sumatran rhinoceros, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, instead as of the extremely rare R. sondaicus.

Variation in Morphometric Characters in Four Sand Crab (Albunea symmysta) Populations Collected from Sumatra and Java Island, Indonesia.

Variation in morphometric characters in four sand crab (Albunea symmysta) populations from four intertidal areas in Sumatra (Aceh and Bengkulu) and Java (Cilacap and Yogyakarta) were studied. Crabs collected from the four sites were measured to obtain 10 morphometric characters, i.e., carapace length (CL), carapace width (CW), ocular peduncle length and width (LOP and WOP), telson length and width (LT and WT), merus length (ML), carpus length (CaL), propodus length (PL), and dactylus length (DL). Allometric relationships were established among three morphometric characters (CW, PL, and DL) for each site, in which CL was fixed on the abscissa as a reference variable. The analysis of covariance showed that population from Yogyakarta had a greater carapace width and the Aceh population had a longer dactylus length. In terms of propodus length, the Aceh population had a longer dactylus length than the Bengkulu population. Two group populations were detected by cluster analysis with 10 morphometric characters, i.e., the Sumatra population and the Java population.