Evidences from gut microbiome and habitat landscape indicate continued threat of extinction for the Hainan gibbon

Abstract

Little is known about the population health status of the world’s rarest primate, the Hainan gibbon. Here, the largest gut microbiome dataset yet constructed was generated from all five extant breeding groups of the Hainan gibbons, with 42 samples from individuals spanning all ages and sexes, in addition to dry and wet seasons. Groups A and B exhibited higher diversity of gut microbiota and food resources, in contrast to the subsequently established Groups C, D, and E. Significantly, Group C demonstrated the lowest gut microbial diversity and higher abundance of vector-related Pestivirus, which may be attributed to their proximity to the primary forest edge and the village. We also inferred the origin and possible dispersal paths of the newly established Group E. These findings indicate that Hainan gibbons are still facing viral zoonosis and the threat of extinction, as illuminated by an understanding of the gut microbiome and habitat landscape ecology.