Abstract
The oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana) is considered an endangered species based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This study presents the first evidence on comparative analysis of gut microbial diversity of C. boyciana from various breeding conditions. To determine the species composition and community structure of the gut microbiota, 24 fecal samples from Tianjin Zoo and Tianjin Qilihai Wetland were characterized by sequencing 16S rRNA gene amplicons using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Firmicutes was found to be the predominant phylum. Analysis of community structure revealed significant differences in the species diversity and richness between the populations of the two breeding conditions. The greatest α-diversity was found in wild C. boyciana, while artificial breeding storks from Tianjin Zoo had the least α-diversity. Principal coordinates analysis showed that the microbial communities were different between the two studied groups. In conclusion, this study reveals the species composition and structure of the gut microbiota of oriental white storks under two breeding conditions, and our findings could contribute to the integrative conservation of this endangered bird.
Highlights
Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the health of animal hosts through many factors, such as genetics, geography, nutrition, diet, and immunity (Kohl, 2012; van Dongen et al, 2013; Kong et al, 2014; Waite and Taylor, 2014, 2015)
In the study of oriental white stork’s fecal sample, the DNA obtained by GuSCN extraction method and TIANamp Stool DNA Kit could both be used successfully in library preparation for highthroughput sequencing
This study characterized 24 fecal samples of oriental white storks living in two breeding condition, by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons using the Illumina MiSeq platform, analyzed the composition of the gut microbiota and compared the difference
Summary
Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the health of animal hosts through many factors, such as genetics, geography, nutrition, diet, and immunity (Kohl, 2012; van Dongen et al, 2013; Kong et al, 2014; Waite and Taylor, 2014, 2015). It is well-established that the gut microbiota of an animal functions from the moment the animal is born, the amount and species of gut microbiota are not fixed (Xiong et al, 2019; Li et al, 2020). Many factors influence the intestinal flora of birds, such as population diversity and different life-history characteristics including migratory behavior, diet, flight ability, and mating system (Xenoulis et al, 2010; van Dongen et al, 2013; Stanley et al, 2015; Colston and Jackson, 2016)
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