Characterization of gut microbiota in wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from five forests across Thailand

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in mammalian health, yet remains poorly understood in wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). This study characterized the gut microbiome of wild elephants using 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples collected from five natural habitats in Thailand: Doi Pha Mueang Wildlife Sanctuary (DPM), Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary (KARN), Khao Yai National Park (KY), Phuluang Wildlife Sanctuary (PL), and Sublangka Wildlife Sanctuary (SLK), representing distinct geographic regions. Across all sites, Thai wild elephants shared a core gut microbiota dominated by fiber-degrading bacteria. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum, followed by Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria. At the family level, Lachnospiraceae predominated, followed by Oscillospiraceae, Anaerovoracaceae, and Christensenellaceae. Environmental variable, including geographic coordinates and minimum elevation, significantly influenced microbial community composition and explained patterns of beta diversity, indicating distinct gut microbiota profiles among elephant populations from different forest regions. These findings establish baseline gut microbiome data for wild Asian elephants and provide a foundation for future ecological and conservation-focused microbiome studies.