Sex- and age-based differences in behavioural patterns and gut microbiota composition in captive Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni)

IF 2 2区农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Applied Animal Behaviour Science Pub Date : 2025-07-29 DOI:10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106771

Nurfarah Ain Limin , Mohd Shafiq Aazmi , Siti Nurfatiha Najihah Fakhrul Hatta , Hartini Ithnin , Nik Mohd Zamani Awang , David Magintan , Nur Nadiah Md Yusof

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Captivity often disrupts the expression of natural behaviour, leading to stereotypies among captive animals, which is particularly concerning for endangered species such as the Malayan tiger. This study analysed behavioural patterns, faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) concentration, and gut microbiota composition in captive Malayan tigers, aiming to explore the relationships among these parameters associated with sex, age, and observation session over six weeks at a rescue centre in Perak, Malaysia. Results showed a significant interaction between sex and age (p < 0.001) for stereotypic pacing, with young male tigers pacing for a significantly longer duration than older males and young females. Sex and age significantly influenced activity levels, with male tigers significantly less active than females (p = 0.017), and older tigers were significantly less active than younger individuals (p < 0.001). Resting behaviours were more prevalent in the afternoon (p = 0.007) and among older tigers (p = 0.007). Notably, young females rested significantly longer than young males during morning sessions, while older females rested longer than young males across sessions (p = 0.011). Grooming duration was significantly longer in females than in males (p = 0.007), with all tigers spent significantly more time grooming in the afternoon (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the concentration of FGM between sex, age or their interaction. The gut microbiota of females exhibited greater richness and evenness (Chao1, p < 0.001, Observed, p = 0.004), while males had a higher number of unique ASVs, indicating distinct microbial taxa but lower overall diversity. Comparative metagenomic analysis highlighted significant sex-based differences in gut microbiota composition at phylum (R² = 0.5108, p = 0.0300) and genus levels (R² = 0.5801, p = 0.0200), with no notable age variation. These findings demonstrate the presence of sex- and age-based differences in behavioural, physiological stress markers, and gut microbiota composition in captive Malayan tigers. Thus, supporting the development of tailored sex- and age-based management strategies is needed to improve the welfare and inform conservation efforts for this critically endangered majestic species in captivity.

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圈养马来亚虎（Panthera tigris jacksoni）行为模式和肠道微生物群组成的性别和年龄差异

圈养经常扰乱自然行为的表达，导致圈养动物之间的刻板印象，这对马来亚虎等濒危物种尤其令人担忧。本研究分析了圈养马来亚虎的行为模式、粪便糖皮质激素代谢物（FGM）浓度和肠道微生物群组成，旨在探索这些参数与性别、年龄和马来西亚霹雳州一个救援中心为期六周的观察时间之间的关系。结果显示，性别和年龄之间存在显著的交互作用（p <； 0.001），年轻雄性老虎的定形起搏时间明显长于年长雄性和年轻雌性老虎。性别和年龄显著影响活动水平，雄性老虎明显低于雌性老虎（p = 0.017），年龄较大的老虎明显低于年轻个体（p <； 0.001）。休息行为在下午（p = 0.007）和老年老虎（p = 0.007）中更为普遍。值得注意的是，在上午的会议中，年轻女性的休息时间明显长于年轻男性，而老年女性在会议中休息时间长于年轻男性（p = 0.011）。雌性老虎梳理毛发的时间明显长于雄性（p = 0.007），所有老虎在下午梳理毛发的时间都明显多于雄性（p <； 0.001）。在性别、年龄及其相互作用之间，女性生殖器切割的浓度没有显著差异。雌性肠道菌群表现出更大的丰富度和均匀性（Chao1, p <； 0.001,Observed, p = 0.004），而雄性具有更多的独特asv，表明微生物分类群不同，但总体多样性较低。比较宏基因组分析显示，肠道微生物群组成在门（R2 = 0.5108, p = 0.0300）和属（R2 = 0.5801, p = 0.0200）水平上存在显著的性别差异，年龄差异不显著。这些发现证明了马来亚虎在行为、生理应激标记和肠道微生物组成方面存在性别和年龄差异。因此，需要支持发展基于性别和年龄的量身定制的管理策略，以改善这种极度濒危的圈养威严物种的福利，并为保护工作提供信息。

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来源期刊

Applied Animal Behaviour Science 农林科学-行为科学

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

21.70%

发文量

191

审稿时长

18.1 weeks

期刊介绍： This journal publishes relevant information on the behaviour of domesticated and utilized animals. Topics covered include: -Behaviour of farm, zoo and laboratory animals in relation to animal management and welfare -Behaviour of companion animals in relation to behavioural problems, for example, in relation to the training of dogs for different purposes, in relation to behavioural problems -Studies of the behaviour of wild animals when these studies are relevant from an applied perspective, for example in relation to wildlife management, pest management or nature conservation -Methodological studies within relevant fields The principal subjects are farm, companion and laboratory animals, including, of course, poultry. The journal also deals with the following animal subjects: -Those involved in any farming system, e.g. deer, rabbits and fur-bearing animals -Those in ANY form of confinement, e.g. zoos, safari parks and other forms of display -Feral animals, and any animal species which impinge on farming operations, e.g. as causes of loss or damage -Species used for hunting, recreation etc. may also be considered as acceptable subjects in some instances -Laboratory animals, if the material relates to their behavioural requirements