Genetic characterization of banteng (Bos javanicus) populations in Thailand for conservation

Banteng (Bos javanicus), an endangered, wild ungulate, plays a major role in seed dispersal and as a prey animal in Thailand. The population of wild banteng is threatened by poaching and habitat losses. Captive breeding management of banteng has been established and reintroduction of banteng has been successful in some areas. This study investigated the genetic variation of wild and captive banteng, based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the Y-chromosome. The mtDNA analysis revealed three novel maternal haplotypes. The Y-chromosome analysis showed two Y-chromosome haplotypes based on the SRY region in the Thai population. This region may be useful as a Y-chromosome marker for genetic management. The phylogenetic analysis using mtDNA and the Y-chromosome demonstrated that the studied banteng were clustered with the sequence of Bos javanicus available in Genbank. Based on our data, no hybridization between banteng and domestic cattle was observed.