Background and Aim:Many avian species are considered sexually monomorphic. In monomorphic bird species, especially in young birds, sex is difficult to identify based on an analysis of their external morphology. Accurate sex identification is essential for avian captive breeding and evolutionary studies. Methods with varying degrees of invasiveness such as vent sexing, laparoscopic surgery, steroid sexing, and chromosome inspection (karyotyping) are used for sex identification in monomorphic birds. This study aimed to assess the utility of a non-invasive molecular marker for gender identification in a variety of captive monomorphic birds, as a strategy for conservation.Materials and Methods:DNA was isolated from feather samples from 52 individuals representing 16 species of 11 families indigenous to both Indonesia and elsewhere. We amplified the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) gene using polymerase chain reaction with MP, NP, and PF primers to amplify introns with lengths that differ between the CHD-W and the CHD-Z genes, allowing sex discrimination because the W chromosome is exclusively present in females.Results:Molecular bird sexing confirmed 33 females and 19 males with 100% accuracy. We used sequencing followed by alignment on one protected bird species (Probosciger aterrimus).Conclusion:Sex identification may be accomplished noninvasively in birds, because males only have Z sex chromosomes, whereas females have both Z and W chromosomes. Consequently, the presence of a W-unique DNA sequence identifies an individual as female. Sexing of birds is vital for scientific research, and to increase the success rate of conservation breeding programs.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the genetic characterization and phylogenetic structure of Indonesian indigenous catfish using cytochrome B (Cyt B) sequences. Materials and Methods: The genomes of 26 catfishes caught from nine rivers from nine different geographical locations around Indonesia were analyzed. The tissue isolation method was used to isolate the total genome of the fishes. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction was done to amplify the mtDNA Cyt B using the CytBF and CytBR primers. Following sequencing, the analysis of genetic variation and the phylogenetic relationship was performed using MEGA version X software. Results: Cyt B gene sequencing attained a total of 1139 nucleotides encrypting 379 amino acids for all samples. The ClustalW alignment program using MEGA X software revealed 395 substituted nucleotides, which then translated into 63 amino acid variation sites among all 26 samples. No amino acids in catfish BB were different compared to catfish PM, MP, and KR2,3. Catfish MS had one modified amino acid; KR1 and KS had two different amino acids; BF had 38 different amino acids; EM had 31 different amino acids; and BSBJ had 26 different amino acids compared to catfish BB. The most significant alteration of amino acids was between catfish EM and BF (49 amino acids). Conclusion: Indonesian catfish were divided into five clades based on the Cyt B gene. Samples KR and MP (Sumatra); MS and BB (Kalimantan); and PM (Java) were clustered with Hemibagrus nemurus and Hemibagrus wyckioides (Bagridae family). Samples from Kalimantan (KS) and one sample of KR (KR1) from Sumatra were clustered with Sperata seenghala and Hemibagrus spilopterus (Bagridae family). Samples from Java (BSBJ) were clustered with Pseudolais pleurotaenia (Pangasiidae family). Samples EM (Java) were together with Mystus cavasius (Bagridae family). Samples from West Papua were clustered with Potamosilurus latirostris (Ariidae family).

Background: Several studies have been published on the characterization of Trimeresurus venoms. However, there is still limited information concerning the venom composition of Trimeresurus species distributed throughout Indonesia, which contributes to significant snakebite envenomation cases. The present study describes a comparative on the composition of T. albolabris, T. insularis, T. puniceus, and T. purpureomaculatus venoms originated from Indonesia. Methods: Protein content in the venom of four Trimeresurus species was determined using Bradford assay, and the venom proteome was elucidated using one-dimension SDS PAGE nano-ESI-LCMS/MS shotgun proteomics. Results: The venom of T. albolabris contained the highest protein content of 11.1 mg/mL, followed by T. puniceus, T. insularis and T. purpureomaculatus venom with 10.7 mg/mL, 8.9 mg/mL and 5.54 mg/mL protein, respectively. In total, our venomic analysis identified 65 proteins belonging to 16 protein families in T. purpureomaculatus; 64 proteins belonging to 18 protein families in T. albolabris; 58 different proteins belonging to 14 protein families in T. puniceus; and 48 different proteins belonging to 14 protein families in T. insularis. Four major proteins identified in all venoms belonged to snake venom metalloproteinase, C-type lectin, snake venom serine protease, and phospholipase A2. There were 11 common proteins in all venoms, and T. puniceus venom has the highest number of unique proteins compared to the other three venoms. Cluster analysis of the proteins and venoms showed that T. puniceus venom has the most distinct venom composition. Conclusion: Overall, the results highlighted venom compositional variation of four Trimeresurus spp. from Indonesia. The venoms appear to be highly similar, comprising at least four protein families that correlate with venom's toxin properties and function. This study adds more information on venom variability among Trimeresurus species within the close geographic origin and may contribute to the development of optimum heterologous antivenom.

Common porcupine (Hystrix brachyura) is one of the protected mammals in Indonesia. The existence of this species is threatened due to habitat destruction and uncontrolled poaching. In order to maintain the sustainability of porcupine from extinction, the rescue is through captive breeding (ex situ conservation). The process of domestication of porcupine begins with observing the development of its behavior, making it easier to manage in captivity. The aim of the study was to determine the development of porcupine behavior related to the domestication process in captivity. The materials used were four porcupines (two males and two females) around 18 months old and a female porcupine and a young. Each pair of porcupines is placed inside an individual cage (3.9 m long, 2.1 m wide, and 2.6 m high), which has been equipped with a place to feed and drink. The parameters observed were eating and drinking activities, locomotion, resting, eliminative (urinating and defecating), grooming, and agonistic. Whereas the female porcupine and a young observed maternal porcupine care for the young. The observation method is based on one-zero sampling. Observations began at 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. with a time interval of 15 minutes. The results showed that daily activity of porcupines included 52.01% resting, 19.95% locomotion, 12.73% grooming, 10.05% feeding, 2.95% agonistic, 1.74% urinating, 0.39% drinking, and 0.18% defecating. Porcupine parental activity in the lactation period is breastfeeding (49.26%), cleansing the young’s body (36.16%), teaching grooming (5.71%), teaching opening the cage door (4.10%), teaching meal (2.89%), and agonistic (1.88%).

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