Captivity reduces diversity and shifts composition of the Brown Kiwi microbiome

Abstract Background Captive rearing is often critical for animals that are vulnerable to extinction in the wild. However, few studies have investigated extent which captivity impacts hosts and their gut microbiota, despite mounting evidence indicating host health affected by microbes. We assessed influence of on microbiome Brown Kiwi ( Apteryx mantelli ), a flightless bird endemic New Zealand. collected wild n = 68) captive 38) kiwi feces at seven sites north island Results Using bacterial 16 S rRNA fungal ITS gene profiling, we found was significant predictor communities. samples had lower microbial diversity different composition when compared samples. History coccidiosis, parasite primarily affecting kiwi, showed marginally effect. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate captivity’s potential shape microbiome, warrant further investigation elucidate effects these differences health.