Gut Microbiota Diversity in Western Anatolian Vole (Microtus lydius)

This study presents the first characterization of the gut microbiota of Microtus lydius, a vole species widely distributed in Western Anatolia. Fecal samples were collected from wild individuals, and bacterial community composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing. The gut microbiota of M. lydius was found to be dominated by bacterial taxa with known probiotic properties, consistent with its herbivorous diet. In contrast, potentially pathogenic bacteria were detected at low abundance, contributing to microbial diversity. These results provide important baseline data on the gut microbial profile of M. lydius, offering insights into zoonotic risk assessment, probiotic potential, and host-associated microbiome evolution.