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The white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) is one of the three Hylobatidae species found in the Peninsular Malaysia region. Studies on primate gut microbiota have yet to be conducted in Malaysian Hylobatidae, but previous studies have covered Cercopithecidae. Knowledge of the gut microbiota of endangered captive Malaysian Hylobatidae primates is important for health assessment and conservation management. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine the gut microbiota profile of captive white-handed gibbons using the metabarcode 16S rRNA gene. Two H. lar fecal samples collected from the mother and twin infant at Zoo Melaka were used for DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed. The NGS data were analyzed on the basis of amplicon sequence variation. The gut microbiota of H. lar was dominated by phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidota because of their important roles in fermentation and nutrient assimilation from plant-based food sources. Predominance of genus Prevotella in the gut microbiota of H. lar indicates that the captivity condition causes the gut microbiota of gibbons to resemble that of humans and associates with fiber-rich diets. Variation in the bacterial community profile between the mother and the infant indicated differences in dietary adaptations and physiological state. This study can be used as an indicator of gibbon health levels through gut microbiome screening and can be used when considering Malaysian primate health welfare and captive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-tailed macaques have been roaming near Tenaga National Berhad Bukit Selambau Solar (TBSS) causing human–macaque conflicts. This study reveals the social organization and genetic variation of these macaques. Macaques’ groups were determined via direct observation and closedcircuit television. Genomic DNA from 29 fecal samples were extracted and proceeded with amplification of the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA. There are four main groups of primates at TBSS. Some members of the Kuil group and the Pekan group shared haplotype 1, forming a fission-fusion society. This finding can be used for TNB in mitigation plans involving human– macaque conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malayan tiger ( Pantheratigrisjacksoni ) is a critically endangered species native to the Malaysian Peninsula. To imitate wild conditions where tigers do not hunt every day, numerous wildlife sanctuaries do not feed their tigers daily. However, the effects of fasting on the gut microbiota of captive Malayan tigers remains unknown. This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiota of captive Malayan tigers by comparing their microbial communities during fasting versus normal feeding conditions. This study was conducted at the Melaka Zoo, Malaysian Peninsula and involved Malayan tigers fasted every Monday. In total, ten faecal samples of Malayan tiger, two of Bengal tiger (outgroup) and four of lion (outgroup) were collected and analysed for metabarcoding targeting the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region. In total, we determined 14 phyla, 87 families, 167 genera and 53 species of gut microbiome across Malayan tiger samples. The potentially harmful bacterial genera found in this study included Fusobacterium , Bacteroides , Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Solobacterium , Echerichiashigella , Ignatzschineria and Negativibacillus . The microbiome in the fasting phase had a higher composition and was more diverse than in the feeding phase. The present findings indicate a balanced ratio in the dominant phyla, reflecting a resetting of the imbalanced gut microbiota due to fasting. These findings can help authorities in how to best maintain and improve the husbandry and health of Malayan tigers in captivity and be used for monitoring in ex-situ veterinary care unit., Competing Interests: We declare no conflict of interest. No editor is co-authored in this manuscript. I want to declare a conflict of interest Disclaimer: This article is (co-)authored by any of the Editors-in-Chief, Managing Editors or their deputies in this journal., (Mohamad Khairulmunir, Millawati Gani, Kayal Vizi Karuppannan, Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan, Badrul Munir Md-Zain.)