How Habitat Micromodification Influences Gut Microbiota and Diet Composition of Reintroduced Species: Evidence from Endangered Pere David's Deer.

ABSTRACT: Habitat micromodification poses significant challenges to wildlife, necessitating adaptive responses. This study aimed to investigate how such habitat alterations affect the dietary intake and gut microbiota of Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus). A total of 25 fresh fecal samples were collected from Père David's deer through non-invasive sampling in Tianjin Qilihai Wetland across three distinct phases of habitat micromodification: pre-change (N = 10), under-change (N = 8), and post-change (N = 7). Dietary composition was analyzed via microscopic identification of plant residues, and gut microbiota structure was characterized using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that the diet shifted significantly across phases, with 33 plant species from 20 families identi

SUBMITTER: Sun M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12844245 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature