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Microplastics and gut microbiomes impact on Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in the Three Parallel Rivers region in China
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Researchers studied microplastic exposure in endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in China, finding that exposure levels were linked to provisioned food, social dominance hierarchy, and age. Evidence indicates that current microplastic intake levels did not cause significant gut microbiome disruption in these primates, providing a baseline for conservation planning.
Our study proved from behavioral and ecological perspectives that the R. bieti exposure to MPs was related to provisioned food, and was closely related to dominance hierarchy and age. From the perspective of intestinal microbiology, it was proved that the current intake of MPs did not cause gut microbiome dysbiosis of R. bieti. Our study provided scientific basis for formulating effective protection measures and promoting the effective protection of rare and endangered animals.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution of threatened terrestrial wildlife in nature reserves of Qinling Mts., China
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Researchers found microplastics in the feces of three threatened wildlife species in China's Qinling Mountains nature reserves, including the golden snub-nosed monkey and leopard cat. Thirty-four types of microplastics were identified, with predators like the leopard cat having the highest levels, likely due to accumulation through the food chain. The finding that even protected wildlife in remote nature reserves is contaminated with microplastics shows how widespread this pollution has become.
First Report of Microplastics in Wild Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Feces at Kosumpee Forest Park, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
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Researchers report the first detection of microplastics in the feces of wild long-tailed macaques at a forest park in Thailand. They found various types and sizes of microplastic particles in the samples, indicating that these primates are ingesting plastics from their environment. The study raises concerns about the extent of microplastic contamination reaching wildlife in natural habitats through dietary exposure.
Presence and hazard assessment of microplastics in mexican howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata ssp. mexicana) of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere reserve, Mexico
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the poop of endangered howler monkeys living in a protected rainforest reserve in Mexico—even though these monkeys live far from cities and don't drink from plastic bottles or eat processed food. This is a big deal because it shows plastic pollution has spread even into remote, protected wilderness areas, meaning there's likely no escaping it—for wildlife or for us. While this study didn't test human health effects directly, it adds to growing evidence that we're all constantly exposed to microplastics through our environment, food, and water.
First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by an Arboreal Primate
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Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by an arboreal primate, finding green-colored plastic fiber filaments in the stomachs of two red howler monkeys in the central Amazon. The microplastics likely originated from decomposing ghost nets deposited on trees during seasonal flooding. The findings underscore that microplastic contamination has reached even remote forest-dwelling wildlife far from urban centers.
Microplastic exposure across trophic levels: effects on the host–microbiota of freshwater organisms
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Researchers examined how microplastic exposure across trophic levels affects the gut microbiota of freshwater organisms, finding that microplastics alter microbial community composition and that effects can transfer through food web interactions.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.