Amplification of The GAPDH Gene from The Urine eDNA of Sumatran Rhino in Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, Way Kambas National Park

Profiling the genetic character of each individual sumatran rhino is important in order to maintain individual viability and genetic variability of Sumatran rhinos. Non-invasive sampling is needed to minimize the disturbance of individual sumatran rhinos, this is due to the solitary character of sumatran rhinos and tend to be afraid to interact with humans. Until now, non-invasive sampling of sumatran rhinos in Way Kambas National Park (WKNP) has only been done through the source of the puddle. This study aims to amplify the GAPDH gene from sumatran rhino environmental DNA (eDNA) sourced from urine. Urine sampling was carried out on four of the eight sumatran rhino individuals in WKNP. DNA extraction of four sumatran rhino urine samples was carried out with reference to the DNeasy® Blood & tissue kit extraction protocol. Amplification of eDNA extraction results was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using GAPDH primers. Visualization of extraction and amplification results from four individual sumatran rhinos at TNWK was tested qualitatively with 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis results showed positive results after amplification of four individual sumatran rhino urine samples at sizes between 100-200bp. This study successfully amplified the GAPDH gene from four sumatran rhino individuals in WKNP based on qualitative tests. In further conservation efforts, it is necessary to explore eDNA extraction from other potential sources

Towards coexistence: can people's attitudes explain their willingness to live with Sumatran elephants in Indonesia?

Understanding coexistence between humans and threatened wildlife is a central focus in conservation. Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, harbors one of the largest populations of the critically endangered Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus). The people who live alongside this population are affected by intensive crop foraging. Our study investigated the factors which influenced attitudes toward elephants. We then evaluated the implications of reported attitudes for future willingness to live with elephants. We surveyed 660 respondents in 22 villages around the park. People generally reported positive attitudes toward elephants (smartness 95%, usefulness 62%, importance 57%, and pleasantness 53%), apart from where human safety was concerned (safety 11%). Each dimension of attitude was explained by different factors including age, gender, knowledge of elephants, and distance to crop foraging locations. Most respondents (62%) expressed no willingness to coexist with elephants. Such willingness was lower when elephants were perceived to be more dangerous, but higher if beliefs in the benefits of elephants were greater. Efforts to improve crop foraging mitigation practice and to increase people's awareness of elephant benefits may promote support for their conservation. Through this study, we advocate the integration of social science to promote human–wildlife coexistence strategies, an approach that is currently limited in Indonesia.Published versionThis study was funded by US Fish and Wildlife Service