Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

Program

Biology (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Diana Lafferty

Abstract

Non-invasive fecal sampling is essential for wildlife gut microbiome (GMB) research, yet field conditions often limit preservation options. I compared gut bacterial communities in paired fecal samples preserved in stabilization tubes and air-dried in paper bags collected from anesthetized African lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Additional opportunistic samples from carnivore kill sites were also analyzed. No significant differences in alpha or beta diversity were detected between preserved and dried samples, although bacterial beta diversity differed between preserved and opportunistic samples (PERMANOVA). Core bacterial communities remained consistent across sample conditions, supporting the use of opportunistic samples for GMB studies in remote arid settings. I also evaluated how parasite presence, abundance, and co-infection related to GMB diversity and composition. Parasite richness and composition differed between hosts, with cestodes such as Echinococcus prevalent in both. Several parasite taxa were significantly associated with bacterial beta diversity, particularly in opportunistic samples. Strongyloides in lions and Echinococcus in hyenas were linked to altered bacterial composition and reduced abundance of beneficial taxa. These findings validate low-cost preservation methods and suggest that parasites may modulate gut microbiota in wild carnivores, with implications for host health and conservation.

Access Type

Open Access

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