Sequence Analysis of Mitochondrial DNAs of 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 1(COI) Regions in Slow Lorises (Genus Nycticebus) May Contribute to Improved Identification of Confiscated Specimens
The slow loris (Nycticebus) is a prosimian that is popular among exotic pet lovers. In Japan, many slow lorises have been imported illegally. Prosimians that have been confiscated in raids are protected in Japanese zoos, and the number of such animals has increased. In most cases, the country of origin remains unknown and even the species can be difficult to identify from the animal’s physical appearance alone. We have attempted to resolve this problem by using DNA analysis. DNA samples of five species, consisting of the Pygmy slow loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus), Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis), Sunda slow loris (Nycticebus coucang), Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus), and Bornean slow loris (Nycticebus menagensis), were extracted, amplified, and the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1(COI) regions were compared. Differences of nucleic acid sequences of representative individuals were demonstrated. 1. Introduction The slow loris, named after its slow movements in trees, is a small nocturnal arboreal primate that lives in south and south-east Asia, and a part of China. At present, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) classifies these animals into 5 species. Typically, N. pygmaeus inhabits Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. N. bengalensis inhabits Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. N. coucang inhabits Thailand, Malaysia (Malay Peninsula, Pulau Island, and Tioman Island), Singapore, and Indonesia. N. menagensis inhabits Malaysia (Borneo) and Indonesia (Kalimantan). N. javanicus inhabits Indonesia (Java) (Figure 1). The IUCN also reports that N. bengalensis inhabits Malaysia and that N. pygmaeus can be found in China; moreover, the number of animals is decreasing [1]. Figure 1: Distribution of Slow Loris species. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) classifies the Slow Loris into 5 species. Distribution of Pygmy Slow Loris ( Nycticebus pygmaeus), Bengal Slow Loris ( Nycticebus bengalensis), Sunda Slow Loris ( Nycticebus coucang), Javan Slow Loris ( Nycticebus javanicus), and Bornean Slow Loris ( Nycticebus menagensis) are as demonstrated. The prosimian body has been used in traditional Asian medicines. The animals have also been captured for use as pets. Their large eyes, small body size, and quiet nature are the main reasons behind the high demand for slow lorises as pets. In addition, there has been an increasing loss of habitat due to the development of
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