Composition, Diversity and Sex-Related Differences in Intestinal Microbiota in Captive African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus).

ABSTRACT: An understanding of the microbial communities in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) could provide valuable information for saving this endangered species. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition, diversity and sex-related differences in the intestinal microbiota of captive African penguins. Fecal samples were collected from 21 captive adult African penguins reared in the same conditions at Shanghai Zoo. The results show that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the predominant bacteria in the intestinal microbiota of the captive African penguins. No difference was found in microbial diversity between female and male African penguins, as shown by their similar alpha and beta diversities. However, a notable sex-related difference was found betw

SUBMITTER: Jiang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10339943 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature