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Munian K, Ramli FF, Othman N, Mahyudin NAA, Sariyati NH, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Haris H, Ilham-Norhakim ML, Abdul-Latiff MAB. Environmental DNA metabarcoding of freshwater fish in Malaysian tropical rivers using short-read nanopore sequencing as a potential biomonitoring tool. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13936. [PMID: 38419264 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The approach of combining cost-effective nanopore sequencing and emerging environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding could prove to be a promising tool for biodiversity documentation, especially in Malaysia. Given the substantial funding constraints in recent years, especially in relation to the country's biodiversity, many researchers have been limited to conduct restricted research without extended monitoring periods, potentially hindering comprehensive surveys and could compromise the conservation efforts. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the application of eDNA metabarcoding on freshwater fish using short reads generated through nanopore sequencing. This assessment focused on species detection in three selected rivers within the Endau Rompin Landscape in Malaysia. Additionally, the study compared levels of species detection between eDNA metabarcoding and conventional sampling methods, examined the effectiveness of primer choice, and applied both metabarcoding and shotgun sequencing to the eDNA approach. We successfully identified a total of 22 and 71 species with an identification threshold of >97% and >90%, respectively, through the MinION platform. The eDNA metabarcoding approach detected over 13% more freshwater fish species than when the conventional method was used. Notably, the distinction in freshwater fish detection between eDNA primers for 12S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I was insignificant. The cost for eDNA metabarcoding proved to be more effective compared to conventional sampling with cost reduction at 33.4%. With favourable cost-effectiveness and increased species detection, eDNA metabarcoding could complement existing methods, enhance holistic diversity documentation for targeted habitats and facilitate effective conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaviarasu Munian
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
- Zoology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Farah Farhana Ramli
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nursyuhada Othman
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aina Amira Mahyudin
- Zoology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hartini Sariyati
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nurfatiha Akmal Fawwazah Abdullah-Fauzi
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Hidayah Haris
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Lokman Ilham-Norhakim
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
- Kim Ichthyologist Centre, Kg Parit Samsu, Jalan Temenggong Ahmad, Parit Jawa, Muar, Johor, Malaysia
- Akim Fishes Enterprise, Muar, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Muar, Johor, Malaysia
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Ramli FF, Munian K, Mahyudin NAA, Othman N, Haris H, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Sariyati NH, Ilham-Norhakim ML, Abdul-Latiff MAB. First documentation on herpetofauna diversity in Gunung Belumut Amenity Forest, Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for conservation in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Biodivers Data J 2024; 12:e108476. [PMID: 38235165 PMCID: PMC10793111 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.12.e108476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaysia is blessed with lush tropical rainforests that harbour an exceptional diversity of amphibians and reptiles. However, compared to other animal groups, amphibians and reptiles have received limited attention in research, despite their ecological significance. With amphibians and reptile species having been declining rapidly due to anthropogenic activities, there is a pressing need to conserve these species and their habitats. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are designated regions that are beneficial due to their critical role in providing essential ecosystem services and serving as repositories of biodiversity. Nonetheless, the classification of ESAs in Malaysia lacks biological elements and only focuses on physical attributes. To enhance the current ESA classification framework by integrating biological components, there is an urgent need to obtain information on diversity and habitat in Malaysia. Therefore, the objectives of this study were twofold: to determine the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in Gunung Belumut Amenity Forest and to conduct a comparative analysis between the herpetofauna assemblages in Gunung Belumut with other forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia. The survey was carried out between March and June 2022, with additional sampling conducted in February 2023. The Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and pitfall trap methods were employed to survey the herpetofauna species, focusing on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats within the study area. A total of 210 individuals representing 38 species of herpetofauna were recorded, comprising 18 amphibian and 20 reptile species. Amongst the observed species, Limnonectesblythii was the most frequently encountered amphibian, with 59 individuals observed, while the dominant reptile species was Cyrtodactylusconsobrinus, represented by eight individuals. This pioneering study serves as a vital baseline documentation of the amphibian and reptile assemblages in Gunung Belumut Amenity Forest. It provides valuable information for identifying extant herpetofauna species, including those of potential conservation concern or rarity. These findings contribute to ongoing conservation efforts dedicated to the preservation of herpetofauna within the region. By understanding the diversity and distribution patterns of amphibians and reptiles in Gunung Belumut, effective conservation strategies can be developed to protect these species and their habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Farhana Ramli
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
| | - Kaviarasu Munian
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
- Zoology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109, Kepong, Selangor, MalaysiaZoology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109Kepong, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Nur Aina Amira Mahyudin
- Zoology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109, Kepong, Selangor, MalaysiaZoology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109Kepong, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Nursyuhada Othman
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
| | - Hidayah Haris
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
| | - Nurfatiha Akmal Fawwazah Abdullah-Fauzi
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
| | - Nur Hartini Sariyati
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
| | - Mohd Lokman Ilham-Norhakim
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
- Kim Ichthyologist Centre, Kg Parit Samsu, Jalan Temenggong Ahmad, 84150, Parit Jawa, Muar, Johor, MalaysiaKim Ichthyologist Centre, Kg Parit Samsu, Jalan Temenggong Ahmad, 84150, Parit JawaMuar, JohorMalaysia
- Akim Fishes Enterprise, 81P Pesta 2, Kg Kenangan Tun Dr Ismail, 84000, Muar, Johor, MalaysiaAkim Fishes Enterprise, 81P Pesta 2, Kg Kenangan Tun Dr Ismail, 84000Muar, JohorMalaysia
| | - Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff
- Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Pagoh, Johor, MalaysiaEnvironmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600Pagoh, JohorMalaysia
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Mohd-radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-fauzi NAF, Mohd-ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A, Gani M, Abdul-razak MFA, Md-zain BM. Figure 3 from: Mohd-Radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A-L, Gani M, Abdul-Razak MFA, Md-Zain BM (2022) Determining the diet of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at human–elephant conflict areas in Peninsular Malaysia using DNA metabarcoding. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e89752. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e89752. 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e89752.figure3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Mohd-radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-fauzi NAF, Mohd-ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A, Gani M, Abdul-razak MFA, Md-zain BM. Figure 7 from: Mohd-Radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A-L, Gani M, Abdul-Razak MFA, Md-Zain BM (2022) Determining the diet of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at human–elephant conflict areas in Peninsular Malaysia using DNA metabarcoding. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e89752. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e89752. 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e89752.figure7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Mohd-radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-fauzi NAF, Mohd-ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A, Gani M, Abdul-razak MFA, Md-zain BM. Figure 9 from: Mohd-Radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A-L, Gani M, Abdul-Razak MFA, Md-Zain BM (2022) Determining the diet of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at human–elephant conflict areas in Peninsular Malaysia using DNA metabarcoding. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e89752. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e89752. 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e89752.figure9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Mohd-Radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar AL, Gani M, Abdul-Razak MFA, Md-Zain BM. Determining the diet of wild Asian elephants ( Elephasmaximus) at human-elephant conflict areas in Peninsular Malaysia using DNA metabarcoding. Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e89752. [PMID: 36761586 PMCID: PMC9836633 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e89752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-elephant conflict (HEC) contributes to the increasing death of Asian elephants due to road accidents, retaliatory killings and fatal infections from being trapped in snares. Understanding the diet of elephants throughout Peninsular Malaysia remains crucial to improve their habitat quality and reduce scenarios of HEC. DNA metabarcoding allows investigating the diet of animals without direct observation, especially in risky conflict areas. The aim of this study was to determine: i) the diet of wild Asian elephants from HEC areas in Peninsular Malaysia using DNA metabarcoding and ii) the influence of distinct environmental parameters at HEC locations on their feeding patterns. DNA was extracted from 39 faecal samples and pooled into 12 groups representing the different sample locations: Kuala Koh, Kenyir, Ulu Muda, Sira Batu, Kupang-Grik, Bumbun Tahan, Belum-Temengor, Grik, Kampung Pagi, Kampung Kuala Balah, Aring 10 and the National Elephant Conservation Centre, which served as a positive control for this study. DNA amplification and sequencing targeted the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene using the next-generation sequencing Illumina iSeq100 platform. Overall, we identified 35 orders, 88 families, 196 genera and 237 species of plants in the diet of the Asian elephants at HEC hotspots. Ficus (Moraceae), Curcuma (Zingiberaceae), Phoenix (Arecaceae), Maackia (Fabaceae), Garcinia (Clusiaceae) and Dichapetalum (Dichapetalaceae) were the highly abundant dietary plants. The plants successfully identified in this study could be used by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) to create buffer zones by planting the recommended dietary plants around HEC locations and trails of elephants within Central Forest Spine (CFS) landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Hafisa Syafina Mohd-Radzi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43000, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43000, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Kayal Vizi Karuppannan
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras56100, Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Nurfatiha Akmal Fawwazah Abdullah-Fauzi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43000, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43000, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43000, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43000, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia,Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MalaysiaCentre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak94300 Kota Samarahan, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Nursyuhada Othman
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600 Johor, MalaysiaFaculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus)84600 JohorMalaysia
| | - Abdul-Latiff Muhammad Abu Bakar
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600 Johor, MalaysiaFaculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus)84600 JohorMalaysia,Oasis Integrated Group (OIG), Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, MalaysiaOasis Integrated Group (OIG), Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia86400 Parit Raja, JohorMalaysia
| | - Millawati Gani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43000, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43000, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia,Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras56100, Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Mohd Firdaus Ariff Abdul-Razak
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras56100, Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43000, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43000, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
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Mohd-radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-fauzi NAF, Mohd-ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A, Gani M, Abdul-razak MFA, Md-zain BM. Figure 12 from: Mohd-Radzi NHS, Karuppannan KV, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Othman N, Muhammad Abu Bakar A-L, Gani M, Abdul-Razak MFA, Md-Zain BM (2022) Determining the diet of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at human–elephant conflict areas in Peninsular Malaysia using DNA metabarcoding. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e89752. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e89752. 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e89752.figure12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, Karuppannan KV, Mohd-Radzi NHS, Gani M, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Othman N, Haris H, Sariyati NH, Aifat NR, Abdul-Latiff MAB, Abdul-Razak MFA, Md-Zain BM. Determining the Dietary Preferences of Wild Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus) in Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia Based on Sex and Age using trnL DNA Metabarcoding Analysis. Zool Stud 2022; 61:e60. [PMID: 37007822 PMCID: PMC10061209 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2022.61-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The world's largest terrestrial mammal, Asian elephants, are known to have enormous feeding needs. Several factors such as season, sex, age, and daily activities influence the amount of food required by an individual. Generally, captive elephants have a limited choice of food on a daily basis compared with that of elephants in the wild. Elephants in captivity are fed according to a prepared feeding schedule, whereas wild elephants are free to choose the type of plants that they consume in their natural habitat. In the past, ecological observations have been widely used to determine the diet of wild elephants. However, the molecular approach has never been carried out. In the present study, we aimed to; 1) identify the plant diet of wild Asian elephants in Taman Negara National Park (TNNP) according to their sex and age using high-throughput DNA metabarcoding; and 2) determine the dietary formulation of captive elephants based on the generated plant metabarcoding database. DNA was extracted from 24 individual fecal samples collected using noninvasive sampling techniques from TNNP and the National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) Kuala Gandah. Seven pooled samples from male adult, female adult, male subadult, female subadult, male juvenile, female juvenile, and captive elephants were amplified and sequenced targeting the trnL region (50-150 base pairs). The CLC Genomic Workbench and PAST 4.02 software were used for data analysis. In total, 24 orders, 41 families, 233 genera, and 306 species of plants were successfully detected in the diet of the Asian elephants. The most abundant plant genera consumed were Sporobolus (21.88%), Musa (21.48%), and Ficus (10.80%). Plant variation was lower in samples from male elephants than in those from female elephants. The plant species identified were correlated with the nutrient benefits required by elephants. Adults and subadults consumed more plant species than were consumed by juvenile elephants. However, there was no significant difference between ages and sexes. The findings of this study can be used as guidance by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for the management of captive elephants, especially in NECC Kuala Gandah.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurfatiha Akmal Fawwazah Abdullah-Fauzi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Md-Zain); (Abdullah-Fauzi); (Mohd-Radzi)
| | - Kayal Vizi Karuppannan
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail: (Karuppannan); (Gani); (Abdul-Razak)
| | - Nor Hafisa Syafina Mohd-Radzi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Md-Zain); (Abdullah-Fauzi); (Mohd-Radzi)
| | - Millawati Gani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Md-Zain); (Abdullah-Fauzi); (Mohd-Radzi)
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail: (Karuppannan); (Gani); (Abdul-Razak)
| | - Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Md-Zain); (Abdullah-Fauzi); (Mohd-Radzi)
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. E-mail: (Mohd-Ridwan)
| | - Nursyuhada Othman
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600 Johor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Othman); (Haris); (Sariyati); (Abdul-Latiff)
- Oasis Integrated Group (OIG), Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Hidayah Haris
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600 Johor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Othman); (Haris); (Sariyati); (Abdul-Latiff)
- Oasis Integrated Group (OIG), Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hartini Sariyati
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600 Johor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Othman); (Haris); (Sariyati); (Abdul-Latiff)
- Oasis Integrated Group (OIG), Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Rahman Aifat
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Md-Zain); (Abdullah-Fauzi); (Mohd-Radzi)
- Faculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. E-mail: (Aifat)
| | - Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600 Johor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Othman); (Haris); (Sariyati); (Abdul-Latiff)
- Oasis Integrated Group (OIG), Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Firdaus Ariff Abdul-Razak
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail: (Karuppannan); (Gani); (Abdul-Razak)
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: (Md-Zain); (Abdullah-Fauzi); (Mohd-Radzi)
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