Effects of captivity, diet, and relocation on the gut bacterial communities of white-footed mice.

摘要: Microbes can have important impacts on their host's survival. Captive breeding programs for endangered species include periods of captivity that ultimately an impact reintroduction success. No study to date has investigated the captive diet gut microbiota during relocation process generalist species. This simulated a program with white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) describe variability in microbial community structure and composition natural habitat, compared it wild individuals. Mice born were fed two different diets, control dry standardized pellets treatment nonprocessed components reflect version could be provided captivity. The from groups then relocated habitat. Relocated had more phylotypes common wild-host than under or kept These results broad implications our understanding dynamics effects reintroduced animals, including potential survival demonstrates ex situ conservation actions should consider holistic perspective animal's biology its microbes.