16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota from active season Arctic ground squirrels fed diets varying in protein amounts

This dataset examines the effect of dietary protein content on gut microbial communities in summer-active Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii). Male and female squirrels were fed either 9% or 18% protein diets for eight weeks. Cecal and small intestinal lumen and mucosal samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess bacterial community diversity and composition. This dataset supports the investigation of how dietary protein availability influences the gut microbial community and its potential role in microbially salvaged urea-nitrogen.