Seasonal dynamics, dietary patterns, and bamboo leaf nutrition shape the phyllosphere-associated gut microbiota of red pandas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gut microbiota of bamboo-eating red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) comprises a intricate and multifaceted ecosystem influenced by numerous factors. Despite considerable research dedicated to captive red pandas, the microbial dynamics observed in wild populations are still not well understood. To address this research gap, our study employed advanced techniques such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis to characterize the microbial communities and their functional profiles in fresh fecal samples from wild red pandas and in samples of their primary food source. Our objective was to conduct a thorough examination of how seasonality, diet, bamboo leaf nutrition, and phyllosphere-associated microorganisms affect the gut microbiota of red pandas.

Results

SUBMITTER: Kang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495721 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature