High-throughput DNA metabarcoding for determining the gut microbiome of captive critically endangered Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) during fasting

Abstract

The Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) is a critically endangered species native to the Malaysian Peninsula. To imitate wild conditions where tigers do not hunt every day, numerous wildlife sanctuaries do not feed their tigers daily. However, the effects of fasting on the gut microbiota of captive Malayan tigers remains unknown. This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiota of captive Malayan tigers by comparing their microbial communities during fasting versus normal feeding conditions. This study was conducted at the Melaka Zoo, Malaysian Peninsula and involved Malayan tigers fasted every Monday. In total, ten faecal samples of Malayan tiger, two of Bengal tiger (outgroup) and four of lion (outgroup) were collected and analysed for metabarcoding targeting the 16S rRNA V3–V4 region. In total, we determined 14 phyla, 87 families, 167 genera and 53 species of gut microbiome across Malayan tiger samples. The potentially harmful bacterial genera found in this study included Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Solobacterium, Echerichia shigella, Ignatzschineria and Negativibacillus. The microbiome in the fasting phase had a higher composition and was more diverse than in the feeding phase. The present findings indicate a balanced ratio in the dominant phyla, reflecting a resetting of the imbalanced gut microbiota due to fasting. These findings can help authorities in how to best maintain and improve the husbandry and health of Malayan tigers in captivity and be used for monitoring in ex-situ veterinary care unit.

Interspecific variation in the diet of Symphalangus syndactylus and Macaca nemestrina at Genting Highlands, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

“…The samples were collected from the core of the faecal mass to avoid including other contaminants ( Gani et al 2024 ). The collected faecal samples were placed into sterile 45-ml tubes and fixed with 95% ethanol for long-term storage ( Khairulmunir et al 2023 ). All samples were labelled and stored at -20°C.…”

Application of Next-Generation Sequencing Technology in Southeast Asia: A Practical Framework for Advancing Wildlife Conservation

“…This is proved in dietary assessment of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in captive population [30,31] time, the application of the technology can improve the health as dietary intake is difficult to be measured using traditional diet analysis [32]. The data from the study can use as a baseline data in monitor wildlife using NGS technology that can improve husbandry and health of wildlife [33]. By having the comprehensive result from dietary composition of wildlife, an appropriate home-building-based habitat management can be performed especially in conserving the endangered species [34,35].…”

A comparative assessment of 16S ribosomal RNA and Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) Primers for Amphibian DNA Barcoding

“…DNA barcoding is a widely utilized technique that enables species identification based on specific genetic variations present in short regions of an organism's DNA [7]. This technique also has been widely used by several wildlife species in Malaysia, including the dusky leaf monkey [8], the Malayan tiger [9], the Asian elephant [10], and the amphibian [11]. By employing one or a few regions within the genome, DNA barcoding can effectively distinguish and classify species within a given taxonomic group [12].…”