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<p>Western capercaillie (<i>Tetrao urogallus</i>) is a large galliform species that inhabits mostly coniferous forests at altitudes above 1000&#xa0;m.a.s.l. Over the last 60 years, a sharp decline in capercaillie populations was observed in many central European habitats, especially at the peripheral range of its distribution. At the same time in Croatia, a 77% decrease in lek numbers was observed. Among others, measures aimed at the recovery and restoration of the capercaillie population include also reintroduction of captive-bred animals. However, breeding of animals in captivity may result in behavioural, morphological and health differences that may reduce post-release survival rates. This study aimed to analyse the faecal microbiome of captive birds from the aviary in the Risnjak Mountain (coniferous forests) with that from wild birds in Lička Plješivica (premontane beech forests) and Northern Velebit Mountain (coniferous forests). Samples were collected from known animals in the aviary and opportunistically from wild ones. In total, 10 microbial phyla were detected, with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes being the most abundant. Juvenile animals had higher proportions of Firmicutes, while with increasing age, proportions of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased. The richness and diversity of the microbiome were higher in wild animals. The gut microbiome of captive animals was similar to that of wild birds from Northern Velebit, indicating similar dietary conditions. By adjusting the gut microbiome according to a specific habitat, post-release survival rates and the efficiency of conservation programs should improve.</p>

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Gut microbiome of captive and wild Western capercaillie: Potential implications on post-release adaptation success in different habitats

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月2日

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  • Charlotte Francesca Stiles,
  • Liča Lozica,
  • Željko Gottstein,
  • Miljenko Bujanić,
  • Ivica Križ,
  • Magda Sindičić,
  • Krešimir Krapinec,
  • Dean Konjević

摘要

Western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is a large galliform species that inhabits mostly coniferous forests at altitudes above 1000 m.a.s.l. Over the last 60 years, a sharp decline in capercaillie populations was observed in many central European habitats, especially at the peripheral range of its distribution. At the same time in Croatia, a 77% decrease in lek numbers was observed. Among others, measures aimed at the recovery and restoration of the capercaillie population include also reintroduction of captive-bred animals. However, breeding of animals in captivity may result in behavioural, morphological and health differences that may reduce post-release survival rates. This study aimed to analyse the faecal microbiome of captive birds from the aviary in the Risnjak Mountain (coniferous forests) with that from wild birds in Lička Plješivica (premontane beech forests) and Northern Velebit Mountain (coniferous forests). Samples were collected from known animals in the aviary and opportunistically from wild ones. In total, 10 microbial phyla were detected, with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes being the most abundant. Juvenile animals had higher proportions of Firmicutes, while with increasing age, proportions of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased. The richness and diversity of the microbiome were higher in wild animals. The gut microbiome of captive animals was similar to that of wild birds from Northern Velebit, indicating similar dietary conditions. By adjusting the gut microbiome according to a specific habitat, post-release survival rates and the efficiency of conservation programs should improve.