Host Species and Captivity Distinguish the Microbiome Compositions of a Diverse Zoo-Resident Non-Human Primate Population

Vast numbers of microorganisms inhabit the mammalian gastrointestinal tract in a complex community referred to as gut microbiome. An individual’s microbiome may be impacted by genetics, diet, and various environmental factors, has been associated with many health states diseases, though specific explanations are lacking. While these communities well-studied human populations, non-human primates (NHPs), particular zoo-resident or captive NHPs, offer distinct advantages increasing our understanding factors that influence composition. Here, we characterize composition phylogenetically diverse cohort NHPs residing same urban zoo. We show despite overlapping controlled contexts, microbiomes still distinguished between NHP host species. However, when comparing zoo wild captivity status strongly distinguishes from their counterparts, regardless phylogeny. Microbial orders unique include taxa commonly present microbiomes. Together, results demonstrate differences species diversity, suggesting species-specific approaches should considered investigating factors’ on