Age Structure, Development and Population Viability of Banteng (Bos javanicus) in Captive Breeding for Ex-Situ Conservation and Reintroduction

Abstract

Captive breeding is important for ex-situ conservation and the future reintroduction of bovids that become extinct in the wild. The age structure, development, and viability of captive-bred bantengs (Bos javanicus) are important to sustain the long-term reintroduction program in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary (SWF) and other areas. This research conducted a long-term population viability analysis (PVA) using height, weight, body condition scores (BSC), age structure, and development in captivity for a sustainable reintroduction program of bantengs in Thailand. Monthly development photographs of 23 founder individuals (12 males and 11 females) were assessed by three banteng experts, two researchers, and three members of the general public. The assessments of weight and BCS were not significantly different among the three groups, while height was underestimated by the general public. The PVA showed that the time to reach the maximum population in a captive banteng program is dependent on the carrying capacity of the habitat. The reduction of a small banteng founder group by the reintroduction of animals into the wild can negatively affect the population growth of the captive group. This information can be used to maintain the population viability of bantengs and sustain ex-situ conservation and the reintroduction program in Thailand and elsewhere.

Spatial risk of disease transmission between wild bovids and livestock in Thailand

“…However, gaur uses a wider range of habitat types (e.g., evergreen, deciduous dipterocarp, mixed deciduous forests) than banteng, which is restricted to dry and open forests (e.g., dry dipterocarp, mixed deciduous forest) (48, 49). These two species show evidence of contact with livestock and humans due to their ability to adapt and tolerate human activities, resulting in conflicts in overlapping areas (11, 12, 50). However, their habitat suitability decreases when the distance is closer to human settlement and the presence of domestic cattle grazing (51).…”

The Preferred Habitat of Reintroduced Banteng (Bos javanicus) at the Core and the Edge of Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

“…Male banteng weigh between 600 and 800 kg and females can weigh between 590 and 670 kg [10]. Their height at the shoulder reaches 1.7 m [10,11]. Banteng are active both during the day and night, but they rest under dense canopies during periods of high temperatures.…”