Gut
A new study , as reported by the Times of India, has found that the gut microbiome of India’s wild tigers is being reshaped by human pressures. Researchers at LaCONES (CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad) collected faecal samples from Corbett, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Tadoba-Andhari, and Periyar tiger reserves. Published in Global Ecology and Conservation, the study shows that livestock grazing, settlements, and even tourism in buffer zones disrupt gut bacteria critical for digestion, immunity, and resilience.
Seasonal changes also shaped microbial diversity, with winter and monsoon showing sharp differences. Kanha and Tadoba revealed similar bacterial communities, while Bandhavgarh’s profile stood apart. But the worrying trend was clear: disturbances in buffer zones are silently influencing tiger health.
Gut dysbiosis in apex predators is no small issue. Subtle microbial imbalances can weaken immunity and long-term survival prospects. If reserves cannot control grazing and regulate tourism, conservation strategies risk collapse. Protecting conservation practices must include unseen elements like microbiomes—not just visible threats.
