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Tingga RCT, Liam J, Deli B, Anuar ML, Ampeng A, Md-Zain BM. First DNA metabarcoding diet assessment on the critically endangered Tricolour Langur, Presbytischrysomelascruciger. Biodivers Data J 2024; 12:e124990. [PMID: 39015797 PMCID: PMC11249861 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.12.e124990] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Presbytischrysomelascruciger or also known as the Tricolour langur-is rare, endemic to Sarawak and Kalimantan in Borneo and classified as a critically endangered subspecies. The current P.c.cruciger population size is uncertain because the numbers are continuously decreasing. At present, there is no comprehensive scientific report on P.c.cruciger in Sarawak, although this subspecies is known to inhabit Maludam area. Recent first sighting of P.c.cruciger in Jemoreng Sarawak presents a research opportunity to study its feeding from a molecular ecology perspective. Herein, we report the first findings on the dietary intake of P.c.cruciger using a high-throughput DNA metabarcoding approach. We emphasise the diet intake of P.c.cruciger from Jemoreng Protected Forest in Sarawak using DNA metabarcoding of the trnL region. Preliminary findings revealed 11 amplicon sequence variants (ASV) classified into one phylum, four classes, four orders, four families, three genera and three plant species. Fibraureatinctoria (akar kuning; Family Menispermaceae), Poikilospermumsuaveolens (akar jangkang; Family Urticaceae) and Litchichinensis (lychee; Family Sapindaceae) were the three main plant species that were consumed by P.c.cruciger. Understanding the dietary intake of P.c.cruciger is of paramount importance for their conservation and management of the habitat areas where their population resides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Chaya Tawie Tingga
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43600, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MalaysiaCentre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300Kota Samarahan, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Jack Liam
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43600, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
- Forest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, MalaysiaForest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050Petra Jaya, Kuching, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Bilhan Deli
- Forest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, MalaysiaForest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050Petra Jaya, Kuching, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Mohd Luqman Anuar
- Forest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, MalaysiaForest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050Petra Jaya, Kuching, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Ahmad Ampeng
- Forest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, MalaysiaForest Department Sarawak, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Raya, 93050Petra Jaya, Kuching, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43600, Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
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Khairulmunir M, Gani M, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Karuppannan KV, Abdul-Latiff MAB, Md-Zain BM. Alteration of the gut microbial composition of critically endangered Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) in captivity during enrichment phase. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:742. [PMID: 38874703 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enrichment activities may influence the microbiomes of captive tigers', affecting their health, digestion, and behavior. Currently, there are few studies that address the impact of enrichment activity on tigers' health. This study aimed to determine the diversity of the gut microbiome in captive Malayan tigers at Zoo Melaka and Night Safari during the environmental enrichment phase using a metabarcoding approach. METHODS AND RESULTS This study utilized different enrichment activities which catered for food, sensory, and cognitive enrichment. Eleven fresh fecal samples from captive Malayan tigers at Zoo Melaka and Night Safari were collected under different conditions. All samples were extracted and 16S rRNA V3-V4 region amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiome of captive Malayan tigers subjected to various enrichment activities. Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Fusobacteriota were the dominant phyla observed in the gut microbiome of captive Malayan tigers during enrichment activities. This study revealed β-diversity significantly varied between normal and enrichment phase, however no significant differences were observed in α-diversity. This study demonstrates that environmental enrichment improves the gut microbiome of Malayan tigers because gut microbes such as Lachnoclostridium, which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps maintain homeostasis, and Romboutsia, which has a probiotic effect on the gut microbiome. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insights into the effects of enrichment activities on the gut microbiome of captive Malayan tigers, offering guidance for enhancing captive management practices aimed at promoting the health and well-being of Malayan tiger in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khairulmunir
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Millawati Gani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56100, Malaysia
| | - Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, 94300, Malaysia
| | - Kayal Vizi Karuppannan
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56100, Malaysia
| | | | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Tingga RCT, Gani M, Osman NA, Aifat NR, Chan E, Khamis S, Rohani ER, Mohd-Daut N, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Md-Zain BM. Interspecific variation in the diet of Symphalangussyndactylus and Macacanemestrina at Genting Highlands, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Biodivers Data J 2024; 12:e122453. [PMID: 38817270 PMCID: PMC11137372 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.12.e122453] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Primate communities in the Genting Highlands consist of a single species of Hylobatidae and four species of Cercopithecidae, which are known to exhibit social interaction behaviour. Thus, a study on the diets of Symphalangussyndactylus (siamang; family Hylobatidae) and Macacanemestrina (pig-tailed macaque; family Cercopithecidae) was carried out at Genting Highlands, in order to compare the dietary preferences and interspecific competition between the two primate families. A DNA metabarcoding approach was used to analyse diet intake using non-invasive samples based on the trnL region. Based on the 140 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) generated, 26 plant orders, 46 different families, 60 genera and 49 species were identified from 23 different plant classes. Fabaceae and Moraceae were classified as the most preferred plants at the family level for S.syndactylus; meanwhile, Piperaceae and Arecaceae were classified as the most preferred for M.nemestrina. Only six out of the 60 different plant genera classified in this study, were found to be consumed by both species. Therefore, the low similarity of preferred plants in the diets between the two families suggests that there is little interspecific competition. These findings are important for future conservation management of highland primates, especially in the Genting Highlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Chaya Tawie Tingga
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MalaysiaCentre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300Kota Samarahan, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Millawati Gani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaNational Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras56100 Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Nur Azimah Osman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
- School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara Negeri Sembilan, 72000, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, MalaysiaSchool of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara Negeri Sembilan, 72000Kuala Pilah, Negeri SembilanMalaysia
| | - Nor Rahman Aifat
- Faculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MalaysiaFaculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400Kota Kinabalu, SabahMalaysia
| | - Eddie Chan
- Genting Nature Adventure, Resorts World Awana Hotel, 69000, Genting Highlands, Pahang, MalaysiaGenting Nature Adventure, Resorts World Awana Hotel, 69000, Genting HighlandsPahangMalaysia
| | - Shamsul Khamis
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Emelda Rosseleena Rohani
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaInstitute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Norlinda Mohd-Daut
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, MalaysiaCentre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300Kota Samarahan, SarawakMalaysia
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, 43600, SelangorMalaysia
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Gani M, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Sitam FT, Kamarudin Z, Selamat SS, Awang NMZ, Karuppannan KV, Md-Zain BM. Habitat shapes the gut microbiome diversity of Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) as revealed through metabarcoding 16S rRNA profiling. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:111. [PMID: 38416247 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03868-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome refers to the microorganism community living within the digestive tract. The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the gut microbiome composition of animals. The gut microbiome influences the health and behavior of animals, including the critically endangered Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni). However, the gut microbiome composition of Malayan tigers, especially those living in their natural habitats, remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we used next-generation sequencing DNA metabarcoding techniques to analyze the gut microbiome of wild Malayan tigers using fecal samples collected from their natural habitats and in captivity. Our aim was to determine the gut microbiota composition of the Malayan tiger, considering the different types of habitat environments. The results revealed a diverse microbial community within the gut microbiome of Malayan tigers. The prominent phyla that were observed included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Fusobacteriota and Bacteroidota. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiome composition of Malayan tigers that inhabited oil palm plantations, in villages and protected areas. Diversity analysis also revealed significant difference in the gut microbiome between wild and captive Malayan tigers. However, the distinctions of gut microbiome between wild and captive alpha diversity did not yield significant differences. The differences in microbiome diversity resulted from the interplay of dietary intake and environmental factors. This information will facilitate the establishment of focused conservation approaches and enhance our understanding of the effect of microbiome composition on Malayan tiger health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millawati Gani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Frankie Thomas Sitam
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zubaidah Kamarudin
- National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), 35600, Sungkai, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Siti Suzana Selamat
- National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), 35600, Sungkai, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Nik Mohd Zamani Awang
- National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC), Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), 35600, Sungkai, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Kayal Vizi Karuppannan
- National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Zhang X, Zhong H, Ran J, Luo J, Chen M, Li H, Wang Y, Cheng S, Yan Y, Huang X. Analysis of winter diet in Guizhou golden monkey ( Rhinopithecus brelichi) using DNA metabarcoding data. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10893. [PMID: 38314313 PMCID: PMC10834204 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) is a critically endangered wildlife species, and understanding its diet composition may be useful for assessing its feeding strategies. DNA metabarcoding was used to determine the dietary diversity of R. brelichi. DNA was extracted from 31 faecal samples and amplified chloroplast rbcL and mitochondrial COI DNA was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. A comparative analysis of the sequences revealed that the five most abundant plant genera were Magnolia, Morinda, Viburnum, Tetradium and Eurya. In winter, R. brelichi mostly consumed shrubs, herbs and shrubs/trees according to the habit of plant genera with higher abundances comparatively. The five most abundant families in animal diet were Psychodidae, Trichinellidae, Staphylinidae, Scarabaeidae and Trichoceridae. This study is the first to show the composition of the winter animal diets of R. brelichi based on DNA metabarcoding. These results provide an important basis for understanding the diet of wild R. brelichi, which inhabits only the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Guizhou Academy of Forestry ScienceGuiyangChina
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Guizhou Caohai Observation and Research Station for Wet EcosystemNational Forestry and Grassland AdministrationBijieChina
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern ChinaGuizhou Academy of ForestryGuiyangChina
| | - Huafu Zhong
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve AdministrationTongrenChina
| | - Jingcheng Ran
- Guizhou Academy of Forestry ScienceGuiyangChina
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Guizhou Caohai Observation and Research Station for Wet EcosystemNational Forestry and Grassland AdministrationBijieChina
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern ChinaGuizhou Academy of ForestryGuiyangChina
| | - Jiaxin Luo
- College of Life ScienceGuizhou Normal UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Meifeng Chen
- Guizhou Academy of Forestry ScienceGuiyangChina
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern ChinaGuizhou Academy of ForestryGuiyangChina
- College of Life ScienceGuizhou Normal UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Haibo Li
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve AdministrationTongrenChina
| | - Yeying Wang
- College of Life ScienceGuizhou Normal UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Shaochuan Cheng
- Guizhou Academy of Forestry ScienceGuiyangChina
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Guizhou Caohai Observation and Research Station for Wet EcosystemNational Forestry and Grassland AdministrationBijieChina
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern ChinaGuizhou Academy of ForestryGuiyangChina
| | - Yuying Yan
- Guizhou Academy of Forestry ScienceGuiyangChina
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Guizhou Caohai Observation and Research Station for Wet EcosystemNational Forestry and Grassland AdministrationBijieChina
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern ChinaGuizhou Academy of ForestryGuiyangChina
| | - Xiaolong Huang
- Guizhou Academy of Forestry ScienceGuiyangChina
- Guizhou Fanjingshan Observation and Research Station for Forest EcosystemNational Forestry and Grass‐land AdministrationTongrenChina
- Guizhou Caohai Observation and Research Station for Wet EcosystemNational Forestry and Grassland AdministrationBijieChina
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Biodiversity Conservation in Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwestern ChinaGuizhou Academy of ForestryGuiyangChina
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Khairulmunir M, Gani M, Karuppannan KV, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Md-Zain BM. High-throughput DNA metabarcoding for determining the gut microbiome of captive critically endangered Malayan tiger ( Pantheratigrisjacksoni) during fasting. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e104757. [PMID: 37711366 PMCID: PMC10498273 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e104757] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Malayan tiger (Pantheratigrisjacksoni) is a critically endangered species native to the Malaysian Peninsula. To imitate wild conditions where tigers do not hunt every day, numerous wildlife sanctuaries do not feed their tigers daily. However, the effects of fasting on the gut microbiota of captive Malayan tigers remains unknown. This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiota of captive Malayan tigers by comparing their microbial communities during fasting versus normal feeding conditions. This study was conducted at the Melaka Zoo, Malaysian Peninsula and involved Malayan tigers fasted every Monday. In total, ten faecal samples of Malayan tiger, two of Bengal tiger (outgroup) and four of lion (outgroup) were collected and analysed for metabarcoding targeting the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region. In total, we determined 14 phyla, 87 families, 167 genera and 53 species of gut microbiome across Malayan tiger samples. The potentially harmful bacterial genera found in this study included Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Solobacterium, Echerichiashigella, Ignatzschineria and Negativibacillus. The microbiome in the fasting phase had a higher composition and was more diverse than in the feeding phase. The present findings indicate a balanced ratio in the dominant phyla, reflecting a resetting of the imbalanced gut microbiota due to fasting. These findings can help authorities in how to best maintain and improve the husbandry and health of Malayan tigers in captivity and be used for monitoring in ex-situ veterinary care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khairulmunir
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43600 Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Millawati Gani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43600 Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan CherasKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Kayal Vizi Karuppannan
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaDepartment of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan CherasKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan
- Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, MalaysiaCentre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300Kota SamarahanMalaysia
| | - Badrul Munir Md-Zain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaDepartment of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia43600 Bangi, SelangorMalaysia
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Yue L, Wang C, Meng B, Xie B, Cao H, Su H, Zhang M. The Food Niche Overlap and Interspecific Relationship between the Sympatric Tibetan Macaque and Grey Snub-Nosed Monkey. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2536. [PMID: 37570344 PMCID: PMC10417265 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing the trophic niche and interspecific relationships between related species and determining how the species maintain differences in nutritional niches while coexisting in the same area are important topics in ecological research. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of food resource utilization, competition and coexistence among species distributed in the same region is important. In this study, we used fecal samples and metagenome sequencing technology to study the plant feeding habits and coexistence mechanisms of Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) and grey snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) within the same area. In the winter of 2020, we collected a total of 40 fecal samples from Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys; of those, 29 samples were considered valid and were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. The results showed that in winter, Tibetan macaques consumed plants from 117 families and 184 genera, whereas grey snub-nosed monkeys consumed plants from 109 families and 165 genera. Diversity analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the food composition of Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys. Tibetan macaques had a broader food niche width than grey snub-nosed monkeys at the family and genus levels. In winter, the food niches of Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys almost entirely overlapped (0.99). Our research provides detailed dietary data for Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys and valuable information that can aid in conservation efforts targeting these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yue
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve Affairs Center, Zhangjiajie 427400, China
| | - Bingshun Meng
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Bo Xie
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Heqin Cao
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Haijun Su
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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