Captivity Reduces Gut Microbial Diversity in Bengal Tigers

A comparative study published in Molecular Biology Reports indicates that captivity is associated with reduced gut microbial diversity in Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris). The research, led by Stanzin Dolker and colleagues, analyzed fecal microbiomes from both captive and wild individuals to understand how environmental conditions and host factors influence microbial assembly. By integrating these new data with publicly available datasets from Amur, Malayan, and South China tigers, the study provides a broader perspective on how different subspecies and housing conditions shape the gut microbiome of large carnivores.

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host nutrition, immune regulation, metabolic stability, and overall physiological health in wildlife. However, gut microbiome data from large carnivores remain limited, particularly for endangered tiger populations. This study aimed to fill that gap by conducting a comparative analysis of fecal microbiomes. The researchers sought to determine whether captivity or biological sex had a stronger influence on the structure of the gut microbial community in Bengal tigers.

Across all tiger subspecies examined, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated as core bacterial phyla. Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Fusobacteriota also formed a conserved microbial backbone, suggesting a shared foundational structure among these big cats. The study found that wild Bengal tigers exhibited higher microbial richness and diversity than their captive counterparts.

Beta diversity analyses demonstrated clear clustering by habitat, distinguishing between captive and wild tigers. In contrast, there was substantial overlap between male and female captive Bengal tigers. This indicates that captivity-associated conditions exert a stronger influence on gut microbiome structure than biological sex.

Comparative analyses among tiger subspecies revealed broad overlap in microbial community composition, suggesting limited phylogenetic influence on the gut microbiome. South China and Amur tigers displayed the lowest richness compared to Bengal and Malayan tigers.

Functional analysis identified an enrichment of protein fermentation-associated taxa in captive tigers. Conversely, wild tigers showed a greater abundance of environmentally associated taxa.

The study provides evidence that captivity promotes a reduction in gut microbial diversity in Bengal tigers. The authors highlight the potential utility of microbiome-informed captive management for conservation efforts. Integrating gut microbiome monitoring into conservation breeding, zoo exchange, and reintroduction programs may improve adaptive fitness in endangered tiger populations.

Subject of Research: Comparative analysis of gut microbial diversity in captive and wild Bengal tigers

Article Title: Exploring sex- and captivity-associated gut microbial diversity in Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris)

Article References: Dolker, S., Ghosh, A., Singh, V. K., Joshi, B. D., Sharma, L. K., & Thakur, M. (2026). Exploring sex- and captivity-associated gut microbial diversity in Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris). Molecular Biology Reports, 53(1), Article 1863. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13087-w

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s11033-026-13087-w

Keywords: Bengal Tigers, Gut Microbiome, Captivity, Wildlife Conservation, Microbial Diversity, Molecular Biology Reports, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Beta Diversity, Conservation Breeding, Exploring, sex-