NEWS – In a scientific first, researchers from Pompeu Fabra University (Spain) and the University of Trento (Italy) have successfully mapped the intestinal microbiome of the Indri lemur (Indri indri).

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Indri is a critically endangered lemur species endemic to northeastern Madagascar.
• Samples collected from six socially isolated family groups revealed 48 bacterial species, of which 47 are newly discovered and unique to the Indri.

Social Group Transmission Patterns

• The study revealed that gut microbiome composition is transmitted within each social group, showing:
  • Strain variations between groups.
  • A clear link between bacterial genetic diversity and geographic isolation of the lemur populations.
• Interestingly, although Indris engage in soil-eating (geophagy), the research found no soil-derived bacteria in the gut samples.

Conservation Implications

• The discovery of a species-specific gut microbiome means that:
  • The extinction of the Indri could also result in the loss of these unique microbial species.
• Mapping the microbiome offers a novel conservation tool, highlighting how habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss can lead to microbiome extinction as well.

Species Ecology & Context

• Indri indri (locally known as babakoto):
  • Is a tree-dwelling, monogamous lemur living in small matriarchal groups of 2–5.
  • Classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
  • Faces severe threats from habitat loss and climate change.
  • Captive breeding has never been successful, making in-situ conservation critical.