Source: SEAMEO BIOTROP's Research Grant | 2015
Abstract:
Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is rare animal among other rhino in the world. Camera trapping survey, conducted in 2014, found out only 58 animals. However, any of those animals has not yet sexually and genetically identified. Identification of genetic fingerprinting and sexing is of great importance to support monitoring and conservation programs of Javan Rhino. This study was aimed at (1) acurately surveying individual variation through sex determination, genetic fingerprinting, and spatial distribution, (2) identifiying alternative population candidate or second population based on genetic characteristics. In order to realize the aim of the study, sex determination of population member should be conducted using molecular approach. A pair of specific primers for sexing (ZFP) by fluorescently labelling one of the primers (forward primer) is necessary to apply. Individual molecular characteristic is acquired by amplifying hypervariable Dloop fragment and five specific Javan Rhino microsatellite loci (JR-003, JR-006A, JR-009, JR-013-2, dan JR-023). Sample material used on this study was 14 fecal javan rhino distributed randomly in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK). Results of this study showed specific fragment polymorphism of Zinc Finger Protein (ZFP) with size of 99 bp and 106 bp in respect to ZFP-X and ZFP-Y. This result facilitated sex determination of javan rhino. Seven males and females each were successfully identified from 14 samples along with spatial distribution. Haplotipe of dead rhino at TNUK was able to identified. Allele variation revealed by JR-006A and JR-023 microsatellite markers gives valuable outlook as to four alleles were well identified. Therefore, it facilitates in determination of individual genotyping.
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