Gastrointestinal Microbiome of the Vulnerable Red Panda

摘要: The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is considered a vulnerable species, but little research has been done to investigate their unconventional biology. Similar to the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), red pandas are classified as carnivores and consume a highly specialized herbivorous diet. However, both species have evolved physical adaptations to help with bamboo consumption. Red pandas exhibit a pseudo-thumb and strong mandible for enhanced bamboo foraging, yet they lack any gastrointestinal tract (GIT) adaptations to aid in their high-fiber diet’s digestion. With so little known about the GIT of the red pandas, research is imperative. During this study, four red pandas were analyzed-two male and two female (Memphis Zoological Society and National Zoological Society). Differences in age, sex, and geographical location were studied to gain insight into the red pandas’ GIT microbial population. The Roche 454 GS Jr pyrosequencing platform was used to sequence the 16S rRNA region of the red panda fecal material and their feed. Significant relationships with respect to age, sex, and geographical location were successfully shown (all, P<. 0001). Also differences in relative abundance of Lactobacillales and Clostridiales also were significant with respect to age and geographical location. From this initial study, more research must be done to increase what is known of the red panda and their GIT microbiome in order to aid in conservation, husbandry, and general knowledge of this unique species.