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Molecular DNA-based spatial mapping technique predicting diversity and distribution of otters (Lutrinae) in Peninsular Malaysia using non-invasive fecal samples

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Abstract

This study investigated the current distribution of otters (Lutrinae) in all states of Peninsular Malaysia. Four species of otters have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia in the past based on field survey methodology, namely the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). This study aims to determine the current number of otter species and their distribution in Peninsular Malaysia through molecular approaches using D-loop and Cyt b loci of mitochondrial DNA sequences. Our findings indicate that 337 samples were identified as three species of otter that are currently distributed in Peninsular Malaysia: A. cinereus (112 samples), L. perspicillata (218 samples), and L. sumatrana (7 samples). All three species can be found in Perak, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, and Johor while other states only contained two species (A. cinereus and L. perspicillata). Seven sympatric locations were recorded between two or three species: Tumpat and Kg. Padang Salim (Kelantan), Penarik and Sg. Kemaman (Terengganu), Taman Negara (Pahang), Tg. Piai (Johor), and Kuala Gula (Perak). The discovery of L. sumatrana in this study has confirmed that this species is still present in Peninsular Malaysia. However, L. lutra was not observed in this study. Our findings successfully highlight the diversity and distribution of Peninsular Malaysian otters that suggest the importance of continuous assessment and population status of otters to ensure their ongoing survival in Peninsular Malaysia.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are deeply indebted to several institutions that provided them necessary facilities and assistance for fecal and tissue samples collection, including the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Peninsular Malaysia), and Chikushi Jogakuen University Junior College (Japan).

Funding

This research was made possible under Grants UKM-GUP-2011-183, DLP-2013-006, AP-2015-004.This survey was also partly supported by Chikushi Jogakuen Special Research Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

    Pazil Abdul-Patah, Md Nor Shukor, Nur Syafika Mohd-Yusof & Badrul Munir Md-Zain

  2. Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Pazil Abdul-Patah

  3. Chikushi Jogakuen University Junior College, Dazaifu, Japan

    Hiroshi Sasaki

  4. Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan

    Takeshi Sekiguchi

  5. Centre of Research for Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84600, Muar, Johor, Malaysia

    Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff

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  1. Pazil Abdul-Patah
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Correspondence to Badrul Munir Md-Zain.

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Communicated by: Cino Pertoldi

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Abdul-Patah, P., Sasaki, H., Sekiguchi, T. et al. Molecular DNA-based spatial mapping technique predicting diversity and distribution of otters (Lutrinae) in Peninsular Malaysia using non-invasive fecal samples. Mamm Res 65, 691–700 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-020-00532-9

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