Microbiome variations among age classes and diets of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand using full-length 16S rRNA nanopore sequencingOriginal paper
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease, four years before the first published case study.
Read MoreWhat was studied?
This study examined the gut microbiome of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) using full-length 16S rRNA gene nanopore sequencing to achieve species-level resolution. The researchers aimed to characterize how the microbiome varies with age class and diet in this culturally significant Thai species. Nanopore sequencing allowed for higher-resolution taxonomic profiling than typically achieved with shorter-read approaches. The work was framed around supporting elephant welfare as part of sustainable captive management.
Who was studied?
The subjects were 32 captive Asian elephants housed in Thailand. The animals were grouped into three age classes: baby (0 to 2 years), juvenile (2 to 10 years), and adult (over 10 years). Some adult elephants were also fed a local palm, Caryota urens, as a dietary supplement, allowing comparison of diet-associated microbiome differences within the adult group.
What were the most important findings?
Eleven common uncultured bacterial species, including Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Kiritimatiellae WCHB1-41, Phascolarctobacterium, Oscillospiraceae NK4A214 group, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Oribacterium, Oscillospirales UCG-010, Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroidales F082, uncultured rumen Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, were found across elephants fed solid food. Microbiome composition shifted progressively across the baby, juvenile, and adult age classes. Adult elephants supplemented with Caryota urens palm showed a distinct microbiome profile compared with other adults. Potential beneficial microbes were identified as varying according to both age class and feed diet.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The high-resolution, species-level microbiome data generated here could serve as a reference for monitoring elephant gut health in captivity. Understanding how age and diet shape the elephant microbiome may inform feeding and husbandry practices aimed at improving welfare. Identifying diet-associated shifts, such as those linked to Caryota urens supplementation, suggests specific dietary components could be leveraged to support beneficial microbial populations. This approach may contribute to more evidence-based, sustainable management of captive elephant populations.