Effects of ex situ conservation on commensal bacteria of crocodile lizard and conservation implications.

ABSTRACT: Ex situ conservation is an important wildlife conservation strategy, but endangered wildlife in captivity often exhibit high disease rates. Commensal microorganisms are vital for homeostasis, immunity, and linked to diseases. This study analyzed the structure, assembly, variations of the symbiotic microbiota of the endangered crocodile lizard, and their relationship with environment, as well as the effects of captivity on them, to explore why captive reptiles face high dermatosis rates. Results showed that the reptile's microbiota significantly differ from that of its habitat, demonstrating niche specificity. While species richness among organs showed no significant differences, microbial diversity varied considerably. Skin microbiota showed no site-specific clustering. The assembly of ski

SUBMITTER: Jiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816626 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature