We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The fecal bacterial microbiome of the Kuhl’s pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) reflects landscape anthropogenic pressure
Summary
This study examined the gut microbiome of Kuhl's pipistrelle bats across landscapes with varying levels of human disturbance. Researchers found that bats living in more pristine, undisturbed environments had more resilient gut microbiomes, suggesting the fecal microbiome could serve as a non-invasive indicator of bat health and inform landscape conservation strategies.
This study suggests that near pristine and undisturbed landscapes could promote a more resilient gut microbiome in wild populations of P. kuhlii. These results highlight the potential of the fecal microbiome as a non-invasive bioindicator to assess insectivorous bats' health and as a key element of landscape conservation strategies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Improving the assessment of ecosystem and wildlife health: microbiome as an early indicator
Researchers reviewed evidence that the microbiome — the community of microorganisms living in environments and within animals — can serve as an early warning system for ecosystem disturbance, rapidly reflecting the impact of human activities before other signs of harm are visible.
Variation in the gut microbiota of wild Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) likely reflects diet shifts between snow-free and snow seasons
Researchers studied the gut bacteria of wild Eurasian otters across two seasons, finding that their microbiome shifts significantly depending on what they eat — fish in summer versus high-fat prey in winter. The study notes that future comparisons with urban otters could reveal whether microplastic contamination in waterways disrupts their gut health.
Habitat disturbance influences the skin microbiome of a rediscovered neotropical-montane frog
Researchers studied the skin bacteria of a rediscovered montane frog in disturbed versus undisturbed habitats, finding that habitat degradation caused more chaotic and variable microbial communities — a pattern called dysbiosis. On the positive side, frogs in disturbed areas had higher levels of bacteria that may protect against the deadly chytrid fungus Bd, suggesting the frog's microbiome may be adapting to coexist with the pathogen over decades.
Different living environments drive deterministic microbial community assemblages in the gut of Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster)
Researchers found that captive and wild Alpine musk deer harbor significantly different gut microbial communities, with living environment being a deterministic factor in shaping microbial assembly and diversity in this endangered ruminant.
Evidence for strong environmental control on bacterial microbiomes of Antarctic springtails
Researchers studied the bacterial communities living inside four species of Antarctic springtails (tiny soil insects) and found that geography — where the springtails lived — was a stronger influence on their gut microbiome than which species they were. This finding helps explain how extreme environments shape the microbial ecosystems inside animals, including those exposed to microplastic contamination.