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GUT MICROBIOME DIVERSITY OF THREE RHINOCEROS SPECIES IN EUROPEAN ZOOS.

Roy M van der Meijs¹, Willem van Leeuwen², Casper Prins¹

¹BaseClear B.V., Sylviusweg, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands.

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine : Official Publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

|June 14, 2024

Summary

Fecal microbiome composition varies significantly among black, white, and greater one-horned rhinoceros species. Zoological institutions influence these gut microbiomes, impacting conservation efforts for these endangered animals.

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Area of Science:

Veterinary Medicine
Microbiology
Conservation Biology

Background:

Wild rhinoceros populations face drastic declines due to poaching.
Ex situ conservation in zoological institutions faces challenges in replicating natural diets.
Mammalian gut microbiota is crucial for host health and nutrient bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the fecal microbiome composition of three rhinoceros species: black (BR), white (WR), and greater one-horned (GOHR).
To investigate the influence of zoological institutions on rhinoceros gut microbiome diversity and composition.

Main Methods:

16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing was used to analyze bacterial composition.
166 fecal samples were collected over one year from 23 zoological institutions.
Samples were obtained from 9 BR, 10 GOHR, and 14 WR.

Main Results:

Rhinoceros fecal microbiomes clustered by species, with black rhinos showing distinct microbial profiles.
Microbiota composition was influenced by individual animals and the zoological institution of origin.
Black rhinos exhibited higher microbial diversity compared to greater one-horned and white rhinos.

Conclusions:

Species-specific gut microbiome compositions exist in rhinoceroses.
Zoological institutions significantly shape the gut microbiome of captive rhinoceroses.
Understanding these microbiomes is vital for rhinoceros conservation and health management.