# Linking Gut Microbiota and Stereotypic Behavior of Endangered Species Under Ex Situ Conservation: First Evidence from Sun Bears

## TL;DR

This study shows that gut microbiota may influence stereotypic behaviors in captive sun bears, offering new insights for their conservation.

## Contribution

First evidence linking gut microbiota to stereotypic behavior in endangered species under ex situ conservation.

## Key findings

- Pacing behavior in sun bears correlates with gut microbiota abundance at phylum and genus levels.
- Seasonal and annual changes in gut flora were observed in captive sun bears.
- The study provides a foundation for using microbiota data to improve captive animal welfare.

## Abstract

Stereotypic behavior could provide valuable insights into the stress and welfare of animals in captivity. This study focuses on sun bears as the focal subjects and is the first to correlate the structural characteristics of intestinal flora with stereotyped behavior for endangered species under ex situ conservation conditions. Significant correlations were found between the occurrence frequency of pacing behavior, one typical type of stereotypical behavior, and the abundance of certain gut microbiota at both the phylum and genus levels. It suggests the intestinal flora may interact with stress-related behaviors in captive sun bears, which has important implications for the scientific conservation of endangered species.

Integrative conservation research on animal behavior and nutritional health can contribute to the ex situ conservation of endangered species. Stereotypic behavior, a repetitive behavior without practical function, is associated with animal welfare in its manner and frequency for captive animals. Exploring the potential relationship between stereotypic behavior and internal factors, such as intestinal flora, could improve ex situ conservation, especially for endangered species. In this study, we analyzed the typical behavior characteristics of the endangered sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) under captive conditions based on the behavior sampling method. The seasonal and annual changes in the intestinal flora of H. malayanus in captivity were studied by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology based on non-invasive fecal sample collection. This study provides the first evidence of a potential association between the gut microbiota and stereotypic behavior characteristics of captive H. malayanus. The results can significantly improve our understanding of the stereotypical behavior of H. malayanus in captivity and contribute to the captive breeding and conservation efforts of this endangered species.