A Metagenomic Analysis of the Fecal Microbiota of the Critically Endangered Eastern Bongo

Abstract

The Eastern Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is a critically endangered mammal. In zoos, this animal has been known to have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract. Using a metagenomic approach the purpose of this study was to determine the microbiota of two adult (n=2) Eastern Bongos living in a zoo in South Dakota, as well as a juvenile (n=6) over a six-week period to see the microbial succession, and to learn if there were pathogenic microorganisms present which are capable of causing gastrointestinal disease. The dominant phylum in seven samples was Bacillota with Pseudomonadota dominant in only one of the juvenile samples. Functional classifications showed Protein Synthesis was the most predominant (11.36-35.71%). Almost equally predominant were Energy and Precursor Metabolites Generation (7.00-13.27%) and Stress Response, Defense and Virulence (8.44-12.90%). Finally, we also determined the resistomes which will contribute to the One Health approach.