Why Didn't the Sifaka Cross the Road? Divergence of Propithecus edwardsi Gut Microbiomes Across Geographic Barriers in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.

ABSTRACT: This study uses a biogeographic framework to identify patterns of gut microbiome divergence in an endangered lemur species endemic to Madagascar's southeastern rainforests, the Milne-Edwards's sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi). Specifically, we tested the effects of (1) geographic barriers, (2) habitat disturbance, and (3) geographic distance on gut microbiome alpha and beta diversity. We selected 10 social groups from 4 sites in Ranomafana National Park with varied histories of selective logging. Sites were spaced between 4 and 17 km apart falling on either side of two parallel barriers to animal movement: the Namorona River and the RN25 highway. Using 16S rRNA metabarcoding, we found the greatest beta diversity differentiation to occur between social groups, with significant divisions on opp

SUBMITTER: Donohue ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11794673 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature