Molecular systematic position of the Sarawak Malay badger, Mydaus javanensis
The presence of the Malay badger, Mydaus javanensis, has been recorded for nearly 100 years in Sarawak, Malaysia, but it has rarely been seen. In addition, this animal is among the least studied carnivores in Borneo. The Malay badger is not protected under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2019
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/14695/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/14695/1/48_03_14.pdf |
| Summary: | The presence of the Malay badger, Mydaus javanensis, has been recorded for nearly 100 years in Sarawak, Malaysia, but it
has rarely been seen. In addition, this animal is among the least studied carnivores in Borneo. The Malay badger is not
protected under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance. To initiate conservation efforts, we conducted a phylogenetic
analysis to characterize the Malay badger’s genetic attributes. In August 2013, a Malay badger was trapped at Mentung
Berawan, Serian, and sent to the Matang Wildlife Centre. We managed to collect its genetic materials and sequenced 356 bp
of 12S rRNA and 405 bp of cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes. We portrayed its phylogenetic relationships with other Mephitidae
family members and calculated its molecular divergence. Our results indicated that the Malay badger could be distinguished
from its sister taxon, M. marchei. The teledu clade diverged 2.71 million years ago, after the divergences of Mephitis mephitis
and Spilogale putorius. |
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