Does the gut microbiome of the insular lizard Gallotia galloti reflect variation in sex, environment, and population genetic differentiation?

This project investigates the factors that influence gut microbiota variation in Gallotia galloti, a lizard species native to the Canary Islands. By analysing fecal samples from 47 individuals across 13 locations in Tenerife, the study explores how the gut microbiome varies based on factors such as sex, environment, human impact, and subspecies identity. The findings indicate no significant differences in microbiota diversity or richness between groups or across environmental conditions, suggesting that the lizards' generalist diet may lead to a similar gut microbiota across different populations, despite ecological and historical differences.