Captivity's Impact on Gut Bacteria in Pandas and Bears
Captivity changes the gut bacteria of pandas and bears, reducing natural diversity and altering digestion.
A new cross-species project led by Wei Guo of Chengdu Medical College compared gut bacteria from giant pandas, red pandas, and Asiatic black bears living in nature and in captivity.
The team used 16S rRNA sequencing to map the microbes present and track how they changed across habitats.
Your gut is home to a microbiome, the mix of bacteria, archaea, and fungi living inside the digestive tract that help break down food, train the immune system, and keep pathogens in check.
Shifts in that mix can affect energy use and resilience to disease.
Author's summary: Captivity alters gut bacteria in pandas and bears.