Species variations in the gut microbiota of captive snub-nosed monkeys

Abstract

IntroductionSnub-nosed monkeys are species in danger of extinction due to habitat fragmentation and human activities. Captivity has been suggested as an Auxiliary Conservation Area (ASA) strategy. However, little is known about the adaptation of different species of snub-nosed monkeys to captive environments.MethodsThis study compared the gut microbiota between Rhinopithecus bieti, R. brelichi, and R. roxellana under identical captive conditions to provide insights for improving captive conservation strategies.ResultsThe results showed that these three Rhinopithecus species shared 80.94% of their Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU), indicating high similarity in gut microbiota composition. The predominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes for all three Rhinopithecus species, but differences were observed in diversity, characteristic bacterial communities, and predicted function. Significant enrichment of cellulolytic families, including Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiales vadinBB60 group, Christensenellaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae, and pathways involved in propionate and butyrate metabolism in the gut of R. bieti suggested that it may have a superior dietary fiber utilization capacity. In contrast, Bacteroidetes, Ruminoccaceae, and Trichospiraceae were more abundant in R. brelichi and R. roxellana, and were associated with saccharide and glycan metabolic pathways. Moreover, R. brelichi and R. roxellana also had higher similarity in microbiota composition and predicted function.DiscussionIn conclusion, the results demonstrate that host species are associated with the composition and function of the gut microbiota in snub-nosed monkeys. Thus, host species should be considered when formulating nutritional strategies and disease surveillance in captive snub-nosed monkeys.

Editorial: Community series in the wildlife gut microbiome and its implication for conservation biology, volume II

“…Wildlife encounters grave perils arising from habitat fragmentation and numerous anthropogenic disturbances, constituting one of the pivotal concerns impinging upon wildlife conservation endeavors (Sánchez-Barreiro et al, 2021 ). These disturbances engender not only direct biodiversity loss but also exert deleterious ramifications on wildlife well-being through modifications to the symbiotic microbiome, concomitantly amplifying the risk of localized extinction on a population scale (Barelli et al, 2015 ; Hockings et al, 2015 ; Xi et al, 2023 ). Hence, delving into the response of wildlife gut microbiome to the ecological stressors imposed by human interference furnishes indispensable insights for the pursuit of animal conservation initiatives (Cortés-Avizanda et al, 2022 ).…”

High-Energy Supplemental Feeding Shifts Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

“…In wildlife, the effects of season and environment are more pronounced. Several rare wildlife species are subjected to captive breeding, such as giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) [10], snubnosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana, R. brelichi, and R. bieti) [11], and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) [12]. Maintaining the gut health of captive species is crucial for their survival.…”