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New evidence regarding the taxonomic status of the wild buffalo (Bubalus sp.) in Sri Lanka

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Abstract

Several different views have been expressed regarding the origin and taxonomic status of the wild buffalo (Bubalus sp.) in Sri Lanka. Our study aimed at resolving this issue by using craniometric analysis supported by genetic characterization. The study used buffalo specimens from Sri Lanka stored in museums and private collections, and those recently collected by us from two wildlife protected areas. The craniometric analysis was based on cranial and horn measurements of wild buffaloes (n = 26). Domestic water buffalo specimens (n = 5) were also included for comparison. The molecular analysis was conducted using fragments from 11 of the wild buffalo specimens. The results of the craniometric analysis and genetic analysis using the Cyt b gene showed good congruence, and revealed for the first time, that wild buffaloes in Sri Lanka comprised three species, namely Bubalus arnee (the Asian wild buffalo), B. bubalis (the domestic water buffalo), and B. carabanensis (the swamp buffalo). Thus, the study confirms the presence of B. arnee in Sri Lanka, which was previously uncertain, and indicates the presence of B. carabanensis which was not previously recorded in the country. Importantly, B. arnee in Sri Lanka, referred to as B. a. migona, differs both craniometrically and genetically from the three already known subspecies from the Asian mainland. The recently collected specimens from two protected areas were not of B. arnee. Hence, a wider coverage is needed to identify locations that may now harbour populations of B. a. migona, which is endemic to Sri Lanka. This would serve to strengthen its protection within the country.

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Data availability

The datasets generated and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

Assistance rendered by the National Museum, Colombo, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, Colombo, Museums of the Maduru Oya National Park, Minneriya National Park and Kumana National Park and the financial assistance from the University of Colombo and the Open University of Sri Lanka, are acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Nilupa Vidana Pathiranage & Mayuri Wijesinghe

  2. Department of Zoology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Sri Lanka

    Saminda Fernando & Ruwan Illeperuma

  3. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Sampath Goonatilake

  4. Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi

  5. ECOSERV Research Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Saminda Fernando & Mayuri Wijesinghe

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  1. Nilupa Vidana Pathiranage
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Contributions

The study conception and design were done by Mayuri Wijesinghe, Saminda Fernando and Nilupa Vidana Pathiranage. Material preparation, data collection, preparation of original draft, review and editing were done by Mayuri Wijesinghe, Saminda Fernando and Nilupa Vidana Pathiranage. Genetic analysis was done by Saminda Fernando and Ruwan Illeperuma. Archeological information and reference materials were provided by Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi and Sampath Goonatilake. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Mayuri Wijesinghe.

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Vidana Pathiranage, N., Fernando, S., Illeperuma, R. et al. New evidence regarding the taxonomic status of the wild buffalo (Bubalus sp.) in Sri Lanka. Mamm Biol 103, 519–529 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-023-00371-6

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