There are so many ways in which we and other animals develop our individual microbial communities. Microbes are transferred to animals whenever they eat, drink, breathe, or touch anything. Each individual’s anatomy, physical condition, genetic makeup, diet, age, sex, behaviour, and a multitude of other factors also impact how their body interacts with these communities. There is much more we need to understand about the vast array of factors that can create and alter microbiomes, as well as the differences in microbial communities within and between species.

Bartlow and colleagues’ work takes us a step closer to better understanding wildlife microbiomes and wildlife ecology, and their potential as indicators of environmental change and early-warning systems for disease outbreaks among wildlife and humans alike.

Personal Response

What species would you prioritise for future microbiome research, for example those more known for transmitting zoonotic diseases, or endangered species?

Species with links to human infection and species that are endangered should both be prioritised in future wildlife microbiome research. We need to better understand how microbiomes regulate pathogen transmission to other species and, ultimately, to humans. For example, we could ask, do migratory birds with less diverse microbiomes have more pathogens, like avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus? We also need to incorporate microbiome research into wildlife conservation, especially in captive breeding programmes. Loss of host microbial diversity may result in species declines in disturbed habitats, which are becoming more frequent. Disturbed habitats are also correlated with spill-over events, demonstrating the need for research into species declines, microbiomes, and zoonotic disease transmission.