![]() ![]() ![]() Fragments 428 bp of mitochondrial DNA D-loop were amplied from extracted DNA using PCR and sequenced to compare with complementary sequences derived from a previous study of CNP rhinos conducted during 1986-1987. We collected skin samples from 67 dead rhinos found in CNP and its buer zone between 20. To assess the impact of any current or previous mortality events, we investigated the genetic diversity in the current CNP rhino population. Since 2016, rhino mortalities have increased in CNP for unknown reasons. The species is now broadly conned to two isolated populations in Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal and Northeast India, which are both constrained by poaching, and the loss or degradation of habitat. The greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is one of the most iconic megaherbivores in South Asia but is classied as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Understanding the genetic diversity of a species is vital to improve the eectiveness of conservation management interventions. Genetic diversity of Javan rhinos was low and population expansion in the immediate future will be critical for its survival. However, given the precariousness of the Cat Tien population, demographic considerations may override genetic issues in the short term. The Ujung Kulon and Cat Tien populations represent separate Evolutionary Significant Units, advocating independent management. Divergence between Javan rhinos from Ujung Kulon and Cat Tien was similar to that between recognized subspecies of African rhinos, and exceeded that between Sumatran rhinos. As its critically endangered status precluded invasive sampling, we extracted DNA from dung, amplifying and sequencing segments of the mtDNA 12S rRNA gene and the non-coding D-loop. Here we report on the first genetic analysis of the two extant populations, in Ujung Kulon, Indonesia, and Cat Tien, Vietnam, and discuss their conservation. Although species specific information is crucial to its conservation, its precarious status, habitat inaccessibility, and behavioral adaptations pose major obstacles to its study. Following decades-long discussion of captive breeding and establishment of a 3rd wild population, conservation and governmental agencies appear closer to taking such seriously needed action on the latter.With a total population of less than 60 individuals limited to two locations, the Javan rhinoceros is perhaps the most endangered large mammal on earth. Conservation focuses on protection from poaching and habitat loss. R sondaicus has a very spotty history of husbandry, and no individuals are currently in captivity. sondaicus is a browser and currently occupies lowland semievergreen secondary forests in Ja va and marginal habitat in Vietnam it was once more widespread and abundant, likely using a greater variety of habitats. annamiticus (Vietnam perhaps now extinct). inermis (formerly Sunderbunds no doubt extinct), and R s. sondaicus is polytypic with 3 recognized subspecies: R. Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest, 1822, commonly called the Javan rhinoceros or lesser one-horned rhinoceros, is the most critically endangered large mammal on Earth with only 40-50 extant individuals in 2 disjunct and distant populations: most in Ujung Kulon, West Java, and only 2-6 (optimistically) in Cat Loc, Vietnam.
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