Age-Related Dynamics of Fecal Microbiota in the Captive Chimpanzee (<i>Pan troglodytes</i>).

ABSTRACT: Understanding gut microbiome diversity in endangered chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) is crucial for their effective ex situ conservation. This study characterized the age-related dynamics of the fecal microbiota in captive juvenile (< 5 years), adolescent (5-10 years), and adult (> 15 years) chimpanzees reared in Shanghai and Hangzhou Zoos using 16S rRNA sequencing and demonstrated significant ontogenetic shifts in the microbiota composition. Alpha diversity peaked in adolescents (significantly higher Ace/Chao1/Observed Species; p < 0.05), with the greatest number of unique OTUs (1,139). Community structures significantly differed between the age groups (ANOSIM R = 0.121). Furthermore, the captive diets drove the fundamental restructuring of the core phyla. The Fi

SUBMITTER: Juan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12445987 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature