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Are social media reports useful for assessing small ape occurrence? A pilot study from Peninsular Malaysia

Mohd Rameli NIA, Lappan S, Bartlett TQ, Ahmad SK, Ruppert N

Am J Primatol, 2020 03;82(3):e23112.
PMID: 32083333 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23112

Citizen science-based research has been used effectively to estimate animal abundance and breeding patterns, to monitor animal movement, and for biodiversity conservation and education. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using social media observations to assess the distribution of small apes in Peninsular Malaysia. We searched for reports of small ape observations in Peninsular Malaysia on social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, iNaturalist, etc.), and also used online, radio, print messaging, and word of mouth to invite citizen scientists such as birders, amateur naturalists, hikers, and other members of the public to provide information about small ape observations made during their activities. These reports provided new information about the occurrence of all three species of small apes (Hylobates agilis, Hylobates lar, and Symphalangus syndactylus) in Peninsular Malaysia. Social media users reported observations of small apes in almost every state. Despite the fact that small apes are believed to occur primarily in the interior of large forested areas, most observations were from fairly small (<100 km2 ) forests near areas of high traffic and high human population (roads and urban areas). This suggests that most outdoor enthusiasts primarily visit well-traveled and easily accessible areas, which results in biased sampling if only incidental observations reported on social media are used. A more targeted approach specifically soliciting reports from citizen scientists visiting large, less-accessible forests may result in better sampling in these habitats. Social media reports indicated the presence of small apes in at least six habitats where they had not been previously reported. We verified the reported data based on whether reports included a date, location, and uploaded photographs, videos and/or audio recordings. Well-publicized citizen science programs may also build awareness and enthusiasm about the conservation of vulnerable wildlife species.

Matched MeSH terms: Hylobatidae*
Characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiome diversity in endangered Malayan Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus): Insights into group composition, age variability and sex-related patterns

Sariyati NH, Othman N, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Chan E, Md-Zain BM, Karuppannan KV, et al.

J Med Primatol, 2024 Oct;53(5):e12730.
PMID: 39148344 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12730

BACKGROUND: The gut morphology of Symphalangus syndactylus exhibits an intermediate structure that aligns with its consumption of fruit and ability to supplement its diet with leaves. The Siamang relies on its gut microbiome for energy extraction, immune system development, and the synthesis of micronutrients. Gut microbiome composition may be structured based on several factors such as age, sex, and habitat. No study has yet been carried out on the gut microbiota of the Hylobatidae members in Malaysia especially S. syndactylus.
METHODS: This study aims to resolve the gut microbiome composition of S. syndactylus by using a fecal sample as DNA source, adapting high-throughput sequencing, and 16S rRNA as the targeted region.
RESULTS: A total of 1 272 903 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) reads were assigned to 22 phyla, 139 families, and 210 genera of microbes. The {Unknown Phylum} Bacteria-2 is the dominant phyla found across all samples. Meanwhile, {Unknown Phylum} Bacteria-2 and Firmicutes are genera that have the highest relative abundance found in the Siamang gut.
CONCLUSIONS: This study yields nonsignificance relationship between Siamang gut microbiome composition with these three factors: group, sex, and age.

Matched MeSH terms: Hylobatidae

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