Animals can adapt to unique feeding habits through changes in the structure and function of the gut microflora. However, the gut microflora is strongly influenced by the evolutionary relationships between the host, nutritional intake, intake of microorganisms, etc. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), an herbivorous carnivore, has adapted to consuming bamboo through seasonal foraging strategies and optimization of the composition and function of its gut microflora during long-term evolution. However, to date, studies of the gut bacteria of the red panda have mainly focused on the composition, diversity and function of the gut microflora of captive individuals. There are a lack of studies on how the wild red panda adapts to the consumption of bamboo, which is high in fibre and low in nutrients, through the gut microflora. This paper reviews the technology and methods used in published studies investigating the gut microflora of the red panda, as well as the composition, diversity and function of the identified microbes and the influencing factors. Furthermore, this paper suggests future research directions regarding the methodology employed in analyzing the red panda gut microflora, the interplay between gut microflora and the health of the red panda, the red panda’s adaptation to its gut microflora, and the implications of these studies for the management and conservation of wild red pandas. The goal of this review is to provide a reference for the protection of wild red pandas from the perspective of the gut microflora.

The gut microbiota plays an important role in host nutrient absorption, immune function, and behavioral patterns. Much research on the gut microbiota of wildlife has focused on feces samples, so the microbial composition along the gastrointestinal tract of wildlife is not well reported. To address this gap, we performed high-throughput sequencing of 16s rRNA genes and ITs rRNA genes in the gastrointestinal contents of a wild adult male Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) to comparatively analyze the microbial diversity of different gastrointestinal regions. The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes (66.19%) and Bacteroidetes (22.7%), while the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycetes (72.81%). The highest bacterial diversity was found in the stomach, and the highest fungal diversity was found in the cecum. The microbial communities of the large intestine and small intestine were of similar structures, which were distinct from that of the stomach. These results would facilitate the continued exploration of the microbial composition and functional diversity of the gastrointestinal tract of wild Chinese muntjacs and provide a scientific basis for microbial resource conservation of more wildlife.

Emerging infectious diseases, driven by increasing interactions among humans, wildlife, and livestock, pose an escalating threat to global health, biodiversity, and economies. As a flagship endangered species, the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation in China. This review synthesizes current knowledge on pathogens threatening giant panda health, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites alongside their potential transmission pathways within nature reserves. We emphasize the roles of domesticated animals, sympatric wildlife, and ectoparasites as reservoir hosts or vectors. Special focus is placed on cross‐species transmission dynamics and the critical need for integrated monitoring systems utilizing metagenomics and viromics. We propose a framework for establishing early warning systems and surveillance networks at the domestic‐wild animal interface to enhance pathogen detection, disease prevention, and biodiversity conservation.

Different responses of gut microbiota diversity affect host health in term of nutrient metabolism and disease immunity, the reason and the impact of low diversity level of giant panda needs to be studied. Therefore, to explore the impact of intestinal type and diet on gut microbiota diversity of giant pandas, we conducted a multi-species comparison (n=73), and the effects of different diets on gut microbiota function of giant panda were analyzed by PICRUSt method. The gut microbiota of giant panda was significantly lower than the same diets type herbivores and the same intestinal type carnivores. High-fiber bamboo culm diet significantly reduced the gut microbiota diversity of giant panda than bamboo shoot and leaf. The low diversity of gut microbiota led to the low nutritional metabolic function of giant panda, including energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. These results showed that the short intestinal tract and high fiber diet caused the decrease of gut microbiota diversity of giant pandas.

Different responses of gut microbiota diversity affect host health in term of nutrient metabolism and disease immunity, the reason and the impact of low diversity level of giant panda needs to be studied. Therefore, to explore the impact of intestinal type and diet on gut microbiota diversity of giant pandas, we conducted a multi-species comparison (n=73), and the effects of different diets on gut microbiota function of giant panda were analyzed by PICRUSt method. The gut microbiota of giant panda was significantly lower than the same diets type herbivores and the same intestinal type carnivores. High-fiber bamboo culm diet significantly reduced the gut microbiota diversity of giant panda than bamboo shoot and leaf. The low diversity of gut microbiota led to the low nutritional metabolic function of giant panda, including energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. These results showed that the short intestinal tract and high fiber diet caused the decrease of gut microbiota diversity of giant pandas.