1
|
Bensch HM, Tolf C, Waldenström J, Lundin D, Zöttl M. Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes: captivity changes the gut microbiota composition and diversity in a social subterranean rodent. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:9. [PMID: 36765400 PMCID: PMC9912604 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, the gut microbiota has important effects on the health of their hosts. Recent research highlights that animal populations that live in captivity often differ in microbiota diversity and composition from wild populations. However, the changes that may occur when animals move to captivity remain difficult to predict and factors generating such differences are poorly understood. Here we compare the bacterial gut microbiota of wild and captive Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis) originating from a population in the southern Kalahari Desert to characterise the changes of the gut microbiota that occur from one generation to the next generation in a long-lived, social rodent species. RESULTS We found a clear divergence in the composition of the gut microbiota of captive and wild Damaraland mole-rats. Although the dominating higher-rank bacterial taxa were the same in the two groups, captive animals had an increased ratio of relative abundance of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes compared to wild animals. The Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) that were strongly associated with wild animals were commonly members of the same bacterial families as those strongly associated with captive animals. Captive animals had much higher ASV richness compared to wild-caught animals, explained by an increased richness within the Firmicutes. CONCLUSION We found that the gut microbiota of captive hosts differs substantially from the gut microbiota composition of wild hosts. The largest differences between the two groups were found in shifts in relative abundances and diversity of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M. Bensch
- grid.8148.50000 0001 2174 3522Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMIS), Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden ,Kalahari Research Centre, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, South Africa
| | - Conny Tolf
- grid.8148.50000 0001 2174 3522Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMIS), Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Jonas Waldenström
- grid.8148.50000 0001 2174 3522Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMIS), Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Daniel Lundin
- grid.8148.50000 0001 2174 3522Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMIS), Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Markus Zöttl
- grid.8148.50000 0001 2174 3522Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMIS), Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden ,Kalahari Research Centre, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiao W, Liu L, Zeng Z, Li L, Chen J. Differences in gut microbes in captive pangolins and the effects of captive breeding. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1053925. [PMID: 36560954 PMCID: PMC9763570 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1053925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microorganisms are crucial for health and have a significant impact on biological processes, such as metabolism, immunity, and neural regulation. Although pangolin are protected animals in China and listed as critically endangered (CR) level by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of wild pangolins has decreased sharply in recent decades. Captive breeding has been adopted to protect pangolins, but the survival is low due to gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. Studies on intestinal microbes in pangolins may reveal the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and health and assist protection. To explore the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and pangolin health, blood parameters and intestinal microorganisms of 10 pangolins (two Manis pentadactyla and eight Manis javanica) were studied at the Shenzhen Wildlife Rescue Center. There is difference among adult Sunda pangolins (M. javanica), adult Chinese pangolins (M. pentadactyla) and sub-adult Sunda pangolins (M. javanica) in intestinal microbial composition, diversity and phenotypic diversity, which suggested that adult Sunda pangolins occupied more diversity and proportion of microbial species to resist environmental pressure than the others. Due to the captive breeding serum cortisol of pangolins was increased, and the intestinal microbial structure changed, which may affect immunity. This study provides a scientific basis for the rescue of pangolins through artificial breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Jiao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Wenjing Jiao
| | - Lina Liu
- Shenzhen Management Bureau of Natural Reserve, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiliao Zeng
- Shenzhen Management Bureau of Natural Reserve, Guangdong, China
| | - Linmiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,Jinping Chen
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song H, Yi S, Kim WH, Guk JH, Ha M, Kwak I, Han J, Yeon SC, Cho S. Environmental Perturbations during the Rehabilitation of Wild Migratory Birds Induce Gut Microbiome Alteration and Antibiotic Resistance Acquisition. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0116322. [PMID: 35730950 PMCID: PMC9430529 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01163-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild migratory birds are essential for sustaining healthy ecosystems, but the effects of a rehabilitation period on their gut microbiomes are still unclear. Here, we performed longitudinal sampling, 16S rRNA sequencing, and antibiotic resistance monitoring of the gut microbiome of six species of wild migratory birds protected as natural monuments in South Korea that are subject to short- or long-term rehabilitation periods. Overall, gut microbiome diversity was significantly decreased in the early stages of rehabilitation, and it did not recover to a level comparable to that of wild birds. Moreover, while the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria decreased, that of zoonotic pathogens increased, indicating rehabilitation-induced dysbiosis. The metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of aromatic pollutants were significantly downregulated, suggesting the depletion of pollutant-degrading microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli significantly increased during rehabilitation, particularly ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance, and seven of the rehabilitated wild birds acquired multidrug resistance. The diet and habitat changes experienced by wild migratory birds during rehabilitation may have induced the observed gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance. These rehabilitation-induced alterations might affect the adaptability of wild birds to their natural environments and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance after their release. IMPORTANCE Wild migratory birds are key for ecosystem health but highly sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, wild migratory birds often undergo rehabilitation to prevent species extinction or biodiversity monitoring. However, the impact of rehabilitation on the gut microbiome of wild migratory birds, which is closely associated with host fitness, remains unclear. For the migratory bird species considered natural monuments in South Korea evaluated here, such impacts could include rehabilitation-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance, with possible repercussions on the adaptability of wild birds and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment after their release. Therefore, the dynamics of the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance should be considered for implementing sustainable rehabilitation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyokeun Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Saehah Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woo-Hyun Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Guk
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minjong Ha
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Insik Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Janghee Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong-Chan Yeon
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul Wildlife Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seongbeom Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Veterinary Integrated Medicine Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hickmott AJ, Boose KJ, Wakefield ML, Brand CM, Snodgrass JJ, Ting N, White FJ. A comparison of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration and gut microbiota diversity in bonobos ( Pan paniscus). MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35960548 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex, age, diet, stress and social environment have all been shown to influence the gut microbiota. In several mammals, including humans, increased stress is related to decreasing gut microbial diversity and may differentially impact specific taxa. Recent evidence from gorillas shows faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration (FGMC) did not significantly explain gut microbial diversity, but it was significantly associated with the abundance of the family Anaerolineaceae. These patterns have yet to be examined in other primates, like bonobos (Pan paniscus). We compared FGMC to 16S rRNA amplicons for 202 bonobo faecal samples collected across 5 months to evaluate the impact of stress, measured with FGMC, on the gut microbiota. Alpha diversity measures (Chao's and Shannon's indexes) were not significantly related to FGMC. FGMC explained 0.80 % of the variation in beta diversity for Jensen-Shannon and 1.2% for weighted UniFrac but was not significant for unweighted UniFrac. We found that genus SHD-231, a member of the family Anaerolinaceae had a significant positive relationship with FGMC. These results suggest that bonobos are relatively similar to gorillas in alpha diversity and family Anaerolinaceae responses to FGMC, but different from gorillas in beta diversity. Members of the family Anaerolinaceae may be differentially affected by FGMC across great apes. FGMC appears to be context dependent and may be species-specific for alpha and beta diversity but this study provides an example of consistent change in two African apes. Thus, the relationship between physiological stress and the gut microbiome may be difficult to predict, even among closely related species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexana J Hickmott
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA.,Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Klaree J Boose
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Monica L Wakefield
- Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Colin M Brand
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA.,Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - J Josh Snodgrass
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Nelson Ting
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.,Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Frances J White
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang L, Wang W, Wronski T, Sun P, Jin K, Tang W. Community structure and environmental determinants of the bacterial and fungal gut microflora in Hainan gibbons (Nomascus hainanus). Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
6
|
Martínez-Mota R, Righini N, Mallott EK, Palme R, Amato KR. Environmental Stress and the Primate Microbiome: Glucocorticoids Contribute to Structure Gut Bacterial Communities of Black Howler Monkeys in Anthropogenically Disturbed Forest Fragments. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.863242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals living in anthropogenically disturbed habitats are exposed to environmental stressors which can trigger physiological reactions, such as chronic elevations of glucocorticoid hormones. Physiological responses to stressors may induce changes in the gut microbiome, most likely, facilitated by the gut–brain communication. Although these effects have been observed in humans and animal models, elucidating gut bacterial changes in wild animals under natural stressful conditions is still an ongoing task. Here we analyzed the association between physiological stress related to anthropogenic forest disturbance and changes in gut bacterial communities of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) living in forest fragments in Mexico. We measured individuals’ fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) as an index of physiological stress and created inventories of fecal bacterial communities sequencing the 16S rRNA gene to assess gut microbiome change. We evaluated environmental stress by estimating differences in food availability – feeding tree diversity and biomass – in each group’s habitat. We found that both fGCMs and food availability indices were related to gut bacterial community shifts in black howler monkeys. Furthermore, using structural equation modeling, we found that a decrease in food availability, estimated through reductions in feeding tree basal area, increased fGCMs, which in turn induced increases in bacterial richness. Our findings show that the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis, which is a physiological response sensitive to environmental stressors such as the ecological disturbance of a habitat, contributes to structure the gut microbiome of arboreal primates in disturbed forests.
Collapse
|
7
|
Cope HR, Keeley T, Keong J, Smith D, Silva FRO, McArthur C, Webster KN, Mella VSA, Herbert CA. Validation of an Enzyme Immunoassay to Measure Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) to Evaluate Responses to Rehabilitation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131627. [PMID: 35804526 PMCID: PMC9265043 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Little is known about how exposure to novel stimuli during rescue and rehabilitation could affect the physiology of native wildlife. We investigated this question in a species commonly rescued for rehabilitation, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Glucocorticoids (major hormones involved in stress responses) are metabolised in the body and excreted in the form of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, which can be measured as a way of evaluating the response of animals to potential stressors. Comparing five enzyme immunoassay options, we found that the 11-oxoaetiocholanolone (abbreviation: 72a) EIA was the most suitable for measuring these metabolites in brushtail possums. This assay was then used to measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in 20 possums during rehabilitation. The probability of a physiological “stress” response occurring within five days of a potentially stressful event was about 50%, regardless of the type of event. There was a high level of variation in hormone profiles between possums. Our study has demonstrated that injured and orphaned possums show detectable changes in faecal glucocorticoid metabolites during captivity and rehabilitation, and has identified events that can induce a physiological response in some individuals. This is the first step toward understanding the relationship between these responses during rehabilitation and survival. Abstract Volunteer wildlife rehabilitators rescue and rehabilitate thousands of native animals every year in Australia. However, there is little known about how exposure to novel stimuli during rehabilitation could affect the physiology of wildlife. We investigated this question in a species that commonly enters rehabilitation, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). We evaluated five enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to determine the most suitable for measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) as a proxy for evaluating the response of brushtail possums to potential stressors during rehabilitation. An adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) challenge was conducted on wild-caught possums to determine the best-performing EIA based on the successful detection of FGM peaks in at least two of three possums. While a number of assays met these criteria, the 11-oxoaetiocholanolone (abbreviation: 72a) EIA was selected as it had the largest amplitude of change in response to the ACTH challenge. This assay was then used to measure FGM concentrations in 20 possums during rehabilitation. There was high variation in baseline FGM concentrations and response to captivity between possums. Significant changes in FGM levels were detected in most possums during captivity, but were not reliably associated with potentially stressful events that were identified by rehabilitators. The probability of an FGM peak occurring within five days of a potentially stressful event was about 50%, regardless of the type of event. Our study has demonstrated that injured and orphaned possums show changes in FGMs during captivity and rehabilitation and has identified events that can induce a physiological response in some individuals. We recommend that research now focus on the relationship between these responses during rehabilitation and pre- and post-release survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly R. Cope
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Tamara Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Joy Keong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.); (D.S.); (F.R.O.S.); (C.M.); (C.A.H.)
| | - Daniel Smith
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.); (D.S.); (F.R.O.S.); (C.M.); (C.A.H.)
| | - Fabiola R. O. Silva
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.); (D.S.); (F.R.O.S.); (C.M.); (C.A.H.)
| | - Clare McArthur
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.); (D.S.); (F.R.O.S.); (C.M.); (C.A.H.)
| | - Koa N. Webster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Valentina S. A. Mella
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.); (D.S.); (F.R.O.S.); (C.M.); (C.A.H.)
| | - Catherine A. Herbert
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.); (D.S.); (F.R.O.S.); (C.M.); (C.A.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Franz M, Whyte L, Atwood TC, Laidre KL, Roy D, Watson SE, Góngora E, McKinney MA. Distinct gut microbiomes in two polar bear subpopulations inhabiting different sea ice ecoregions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:522. [PMID: 35017585 PMCID: PMC8752607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding for polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the southern Beaufort Sea (SB), where sea ice loss has led to increased use of land-based food resources by bears, and from East Greenland (EG), where persistent sea ice has allowed hunting of ice-associated prey nearly year-round. SB polar bears showed a higher number of total (940 vs. 742) and unique (387 vs. 189) amplicon sequence variants and higher inter-individual variation compared to EG polar bears. Gut microbiome composition differed significantly between the two subpopulations and among sex/age classes, likely driven by diet variation and ontogenetic shifts in the gut microbiome. Dietary tracer analysis using fatty acid signatures for SB polar bears showed that diet explained more intrapopulation variation in gut microbiome composition and diversity than other tested variables, i.e., sex/age class, body condition, and capture year. Substantial differences in the SB gut microbiome relative to EG polar bears, and associations between SB gut microbiome and diet, suggest that the shifting foraging habits of SB polar bears tied to sea ice loss may be altering their gut microbiome, with potential consequences for nutrition and physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Franz
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Lyle Whyte
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Todd C Atwood
- United States Geological Survey (USGS), Alaska Science Center, University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Kristin L Laidre
- Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Denis Roy
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Sophie E Watson
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - Esteban Góngora
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Diaz J, Reese AT. Possibilities and limits for using the gut microbiome to improve captive animal health. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:89. [PMID: 34965885 PMCID: PMC8715647 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its potential to modulate host health, the gut microbiome of captive animals has become an increasingly important area of research. In this paper, we review the current literature comparing the gut microbiomes of wild and captive animals, as well as experiments tracking the microbiome when animals are moved between wild and captive environments. As a whole, these studies report highly idiosyncratic results with significant differences in the effect of captivity on the gut microbiome between host species. While a few studies have analyzed the functional capacity of captive microbiomes, there has been little research directly addressing the health consequences of captive microbiomes. Therefore, the current body of literature cannot broadly answer what costs, if any, arise from having a captive microbiome in captivity. Addressing this outstanding question will be critical to determining whether it is worth pursuing microbial manipulations as a conservation tool. To stimulate the next wave of research which can tie the captive microbiome to functional and health impacts, we outline a wide range of tools that can be used to manipulate the microbiome in captivity and suggest a variety of methods for measuring the impact of such manipulation preceding therapeutic use. Altogether, we caution researchers against generalizing results between host species given the variability in gut community responses to captivity and highlight the need to understand what role the gut microbiome plays in captive animal health before putting microbiome manipulations broadly into practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Diaz
- Section of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Aspen T Reese
- Section of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu C, Hu J, Wu Y, Irwin DM, Chen W, Zhang Z, Yu L. Comparative study of gut microbiota from captive and confiscated-rescued wild pangolins. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:825-835. [PMID: 34474998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pangolins are among the most critically endangered animals due to widespread poaching and worldwide trafficking. Captive breeding is considered to be one way to protect them and increase the sizes of their populations. However, comparative studies of captive and wild pangolins in the context of gut microbiota are rare. Here, the gut microbiome of captive and confiscated-rescued wild pangolins is compared, and the effects of different periods of captivity and captivity with and without antibiotic treatment are considered. We show that different diets and periods of captivity, as well as the application of antibiotic therapy, can alter gut community composition and abundance in pangolins. Compared to wild pangolins, captive pangolins have an increased capacity for chitin and cellulose/hemicellulose degradation, fatty acid metabolism, and short-chain fatty acid synthesis, but a reduced ability to metabolize exogenous substances. In addition to increasing the ability of the gut microbiota to metabolize nutrients in captivity, captive breeding imposes some risks for survival by resulting in a greater abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in captive pangolins than in wild pangolins. Our study is important for the development of guidelines for pangolin conservation, including health assessment, disease prevention, and rehabilitation of wild pangolin populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Jingyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Yajiang Wu
- Guangzhou Zoo & Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - David M Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wu Chen
- Guangzhou Zoo & Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou 510070, China.
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schweizer RM, Saarman N, Ramstad KM, Forester BR, Kelley JL, Hand BK, Malison RL, Ackiss AS, Watsa M, Nelson TC, Beja-Pereira A, Waples RS, Funk WC, Luikart G. Big Data in Conservation Genomics: Boosting Skills, Hedging Bets, and Staying Current in the Field. J Hered 2021; 112:313-327. [PMID: 33860294 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A current challenge in the fields of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation genomics is balancing production of large-scale datasets with additional training often required to handle such datasets. Thus, there is an increasing need for conservation geneticists to continually learn and train to stay up-to-date through avenues such as symposia, meetings, and workshops. The ConGen meeting is a near-annual workshop that strives to guide participants in understanding population genetics principles, study design, data processing, analysis, interpretation, and applications to real-world conservation issues. Each year of ConGen gathers a diverse set of instructors, students, and resulting lectures, hands-on sessions, and discussions. Here, we summarize key lessons learned from the 2019 meeting and more recent updates to the field with a focus on big data in conservation genomics. First, we highlight classical and contemporary issues in study design that are especially relevant to working with big datasets, including the intricacies of data filtering. We next emphasize the importance of building analytical skills and simulating data, and how these skills have applications within and outside of conservation genetics careers. We also highlight recent technological advances and novel applications to conservation of wild populations. Finally, we provide data and recommendations to support ongoing efforts by ConGen organizers and instructors-and beyond-to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in conservation and eco-evolutionary sciences. The future success of conservation genetics requires both continual training in handling big data and a diverse group of people and approaches to tackle key issues, including the global biodiversity-loss crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rena M Schweizer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Norah Saarman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Kristina M Ramstad
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC
| | | | - Joanna L Kelley
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Brian K Hand
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| | - Rachel L Malison
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| | - Amanda S Ackiss
- Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
| | | | | | - Albano Beja-Pereira
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO-UP), InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,DGAOT, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre (GreenUPorto), Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Robin S Waples
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA
| | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Gordon Luikart
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| |
Collapse
|