Intestinal Flora of Captive Animals Provides Insights for Comprehensive Conservation

Dear Colleagues,

Zoos and aquariums serve as key institutions for the ex situ conservation and relocation of some wildlife, particularly endangered species. The health status of animals under ex situ conservation is of critical importance, and monitoring such health conditions requires reliable biological indicators. The intestinal microbiota shares a close symbiotic relationship with its host and can, to a significant extent, serve as an effective indicator of host physiological health. Numerous factors influence the composition of animal gut microbiota, including diet, age, sex, and environmental conditions. Given these influences, gut microbiota analysis presents a valuable tool for assessing the health and well-being of captive animals across diverse environments. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent scientific advances in the study of gut microbiota of captive species living at zoos and aquariums. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the impact of natural and anthropogenic environmental factors on gut microbial communities, seasonal variations on gut microbiota, diet–microbiota interactions, behavior–microbiota relationships, and the identification of unique or specialized microbial taxa in captive animals. Furthermore, submissions presenting novel methodologies or innovative applications in the field of animal gut microbiome research are also strongly encouraged. All contributions within this Special Issue will support the overarching goal of enhancing the holistic management and conservation of captive animal populations in the future.

Prof. Dr. Dapeng Zhao
Dr. Hong Wu
Guest Editors

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• animal health
• diversity of gut microbiota
• behaviour–physiology interactions
• diet-health relationships
• environmental effects
• ex situ conservation