Metagenomics reveals gut microbial differences and ecological adaptation in plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) populations.

Nine geographically distinct populations of plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) from Qinghai Province were selected for metagenomic analysis to investigate the composition of gut microbial communities among different populations. The results showed that the core gut microbiota of plateau zokors from different geographic populations was dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria, with significant differences in community composition among populations. Alpha diversity analysis revealed marked variation in gut microbial diversity and richness across the different geographic populations. Functional prediction further demonstrated significant differences in multiple metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, replication and repair, and membrane transport. Notably, carbohydrate-active enzymes associated with the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin exhibited significant differences among populations. In addition, correlation analyses between environmental factors and the gut microbiota indicated that environmental variables such as altitude, annual precipitation, and isothermality had significant effects on gut microbial community structure. Regression analysis between genetic and geographic distances showed that genetic distance among plateau zokor populations increased with increasing geographic distance. Overall, these results suggest that geographic isolation and environmental heterogeneity may jointly drive the differentiation of gut microbial communities in plateau zokors. This study provides microbiological evidence and theoretical support for understanding the ecological adaptation of plateau zokors and offers a scientific basis for the integrated management of grassland rodent pests.