Bubalus arnee

Abstract: To obtain more knowledge on the origin and genetic diversity of the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in China, the complete mitochondrial D-loop sequences of 119 samples representing seven native types were compared. Two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages (lineages A and B) were determined for the Chinese swamp buffalo. Examination of the diversity patterns suggest that lineage A has undergone a population expansion event. Divergence of lineages A and B was estimated at 18,000 years ago. Combined analyses of mtDNA sequences from Chinese, Indian, Brazilian/Italian and Southeast Asian/Australian buffalo samples showed independent domestication events in the swamp buffalo from China and the river buffalo from the India subcontinent. The spread of swamp and river buffalo from China and India respectively to mainland Southeast Asia suggests that Southeast Asia is a hybrid zone for buffalo. Our data support the hypothesis of the evolution of domesticated swamp and river buffalo from ancestral swamp-like animals. These ancestral animals were extensively distributed across mainland Asia and most likely are represented today by the wild Asian buffalo (Bubalus arnee).

Abstract: The wild buffaloes, gaur Bos gaurus and banteng Bos javanicus, are among the most threatened mammals in Vietnam but little information is available on their status and distribution. Over 20042007 I undertook surveys in three Vietnamese distribution strongholds of the Vulnerable gaur and Endangered banteng: Ea So Nature Reserve and Yok Don and Cat Tien National Parks. A total of 22 herds with 121 gaur and seven herds with 49 banteng were observed. Herd sizes of both species were generally lower than those recorded in Thailand and Malaysia. Most of the herds were observed in remote areas, showing that the species are probably staying away from areas with human activity. No banteng were found in Cat Tien National Park. Of the other wild buffalo species the Critically Endangered kouprey Bos sauveli and Endangered water buffalo Bubalus arnee were not observed in the three protected areas but the Near Threatened serow Capricornis milneedwardsii was occasionally observed in all three areas. Illegal hunting, habitat degradation and disturbance appear to be the most significant threats to gaur and banteng in the areas surveyed. It is essential to have effective law enforcement to eliminate human impacts on these two species, and an adequate conservation strategy to secure their long-term survival. © Fauna & Flora International

Abstract: Domestic livestock in Nepal belong to 17 species, including five Bovidae (and interspecific hybrids of two of them), seven Aves, two Equidae (not including mules), pig (Sus scrofa), rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and elephant (Loxodonta africana). Cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) are the most numerous quadruped, followed by goats (Capra hircus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and sheep (Ovis aries). Domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) are the most common poultry, followed by pigeons (Columba livia) and ducks (Anas platyrhyncos). Government policy is to upgrade and replace local types with improved stock. This policy has had limited success through lack of funding, inconsistent long-term objectives and an inability to pursue programmes in traditional farming systems. The purity of native types is being lost in some areas due to informal programmes by farmers themselves. Except for one type of goat there are no conservation programmes for native breeds. Wild relatives of livestock, including arnee (Bubalus arnee), gaur (Bibos gaurus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) and rock dove (Columba livia), are being infiltrated by genes of domestic animals. Little has been done to characterize Nepal's livestock resources yet continuous attempts have been made to replace them. Conservation needs are to: (i) identify all genetic resources comprising the gene pool of species used as domestic livestock; (ii) develop and use the associated diversity to increase production, achieve sustainable systems and meet demands for particular products; (iii) monitor resources represented by small numbers or that are being displaced; and (iv) preserve resources not in current demand. A start has been made on this by Nepal's membership of a regional network.

Abstract: We censused wild buffalo Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, in March 2004 using methods employed in earlier surveys, and estimated a population of 159 animals. Since the last census in 2000 the management situation has deteriorated. Guard posts have been evacuated due to the Maoist insurgency. The entire Army Battalion usually posted in the Reserve was at Headquarters at the time of this study and therefore there were no patrols over most of the Reserve, and much human encroachment. Mortality from flooding and road deaths, and possibly poaching for meat, were evident, and males suffered more mortality overall than females. Despite these threats the population had increased since 2000, albeit at a lower rate than previously. Active management, including interventions within the Reserve and a translocation of some individuals to Chitwan National Park, are recommended.