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Population Genetics Analyses of the Endangered Proboscis Monkey from Malaysian Borneo

Mazlan N, Abd-Rahman MR, Tingga RCT, Abdullah MT, Khan FAA

Folia Primatol., 2019;90(3):139-152.
PMID: 30870855 DOI: 10.1159/000496022

The proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus, is an endemic species to the island of Borneo. It is listed in the IUCN Red List as Endangered with a decreasing population trend. Nevertheless, biological information, especially on the genetic diversity of the species, is still incomplete. Its fragmented distribution poses difficulties in gathering genetic samples along with its widespread distribution across Borneo. This study aims to determine the genetic variation and structure of N. larvatus with an emphasis on Malaysian Borneo populations to elucidate its gene flow. The genetic variation and structure of N. larvatus were examined using 50 sequences of the 1,434-bp cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene region of mitochondrial DNA. The COI sequences revealed low genetic variation among N. larvatus populations in Malaysian Borneo. This low genetic variability could be the result of inbreeding pressure that may have occurred due to the absence of population expansion in this species over the last 30,000 years. This is supported in our analysis of molecular variance, which showed that groups of N. larvatus are significantly differentiated possibly due to natural geographic barriers. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity among proboscis monkey populations in Borneo for the future genetic assessment of the species.
Fulltext First DNA metabarcoding diet assessment on the critically endangered Tricolour Langur, Presbytischrysomelascruciger

Tingga RCT, Liam J, Deli B, Anuar ML, Ampeng A, Md-Zain BM

Biodivers Data J, 2024;12:e124990.
PMID: 39015797 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e124990

Presbytischrysomelascruciger or also known as the Tricolour langur-is rare, endemic to Sarawak and Kalimantan in Borneo and classified as a critically endangered subspecies. The current P.c.cruciger population size is uncertain because the numbers are continuously decreasing. At present, there is no comprehensive scientific report on P.c.cruciger in Sarawak, although this subspecies is known to inhabit Maludam area. Recent first sighting of P.c.cruciger in Jemoreng Sarawak presents a research opportunity to study its feeding from a molecular ecology perspective. Herein, we report the first findings on the dietary intake of P.c.cruciger using a high-throughput DNA metabarcoding approach. We emphasise the diet intake of P.c.cruciger from Jemoreng Protected Forest in Sarawak using DNA metabarcoding of the trnL region. Preliminary findings revealed 11 amplicon sequence variants (ASV) classified into one phylum, four classes, four orders, four families, three genera and three plant species. Fibraureatinctoria (akar kuning; Family Menispermaceae), Poikilospermumsuaveolens (akar jangkang; Family Urticaceae) and Litchichinensis (lychee; Family Sapindaceae) were the three main plant species that were consumed by P.c.cruciger. Understanding the dietary intake of P.c.cruciger is of paramount importance for their conservation and management of the habitat areas where their population resides.
Gut microbial assessment among Hylobatidae at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Peninsular Malaysia

Tingga RCT, Gani M, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Aifat NR, Matsuda I, Md-Zain BM

J Vet Sci, 2024 Aug 16.
PMID: 39231790 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.23312

IMPORTANCE: Recent developments in genetic analytical techniques have enabled the comprehensive analysis of gastrointestinal symbiotic bacteria as a screening tool for animal health conditions, especially the endangered gibbons at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC).
OBJECTIVE: High-throughput sequencing based on 16S ribosomal RNA genes was used to determine the baseline gut bacterial composition and identify potential pathogenic bacteria among three endangered gibbons housed in the NWRC.
METHODS: Feces were collected from 14 individuals (Hylobates lar, n = 9; Hylobates agilis, n = 4; and Symphalangus syndactylus, n = 1) from March to November 2022. Amplicon sequencing were conducted by targeting V3-V4 region.
RESULTS: The fecal microbial community of the study gibbons was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes (phylum level), Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae/Muribaculaceae (family level), and Prevotella (and its subgroups) (genera level). This trend suggests that the microbial community composition of the study gibbons differed insignificantly from previously reported conspecific or closely related gibbon species.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study showed no serious health problems that require immediate attention. However, relatively low alpha diversity and few potential bacteria related to gastrointestinal diseases and streptococcal infections were detected. Information on microbial composition is essential as a guideline to sustain a healthy gut condition of captive gibbons in NWRC, especially before releasing this primate back into the wild or semi-wild environment. Further enhanced husbandry environments in the NWRC are expected through continuous health monitoring and increase diversity of the gut microbiota through diet diversification.
Fulltext Preliminary assessment of group composition and activity pattern of the critically endangered Bornean Banded Langur Presbytischrysomelaschrysomelas in Tanjung Datu National Park

Nur-Aizatul T, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Noor-Faezah M, Tingga RCT, Bukhori MF, Mohd-Azlan J, et al.

Biodivers Data J, 2024;12:e124196.
PMID: 38957702 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e124196

The Bornean banded langur (Presbytischrysomelaschrysomelas) is critically endangered species primarily found in Sarawak, Malaysia. Albeit this species is in peril, the ecology knowledge of this endemic species of Borneo is still scarce. Thus, a rapid survey employing total count and scan sampling method was conducted between July to August 2023 at Tanjung Datu National Park (TDNP), Sarawak to observe the social interaction of species with the environment. The behaviour of langur was recorded by employing scanning sampling method at 10 minutes intervals. This study sought to provide preliminary data on behavioural ecology of the Bornean banded langur within the national park. During the survey, three groups (consisting two to seven individuals) and a solitary male Bornean banded langur were recorded. The langurs were observed in both dipterocarp forests and coastal forests within the park. The daily activities of the Bornean banded langurs in TDNP were predominantly resting (31%), moving (29%), feeding (26%), vocalizing (14%), but not engaging in other social activities such as grooming, playing and mating. Knowing the behavioural ecological status as well as understanding ecology by identifying the activity pattern of langur is essential to government authorities and pertinent stakeholders to implement conservation strategies for the Bornean banded langur and their habitats.