gut metagenome

In this study, metagenomic analysis was used to assess the composition, diversity, and function of Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) gut microbiota from wild, artificially hibernating, and non-hibernating individuals to comprehensively analyze the gut microbial communities of P. mangshanensis held in various states of captivity. A total of nine samples were collected and divided into three groups. Three fecal samples were taken from wild Mangshan pit viper, and were collected from the Hunan Mangshan National Nature Reserve, China in June 2018. In addition, three fecal samples were collected from non-hibernating Mangshan pit vipers, and three were taken from hibernating Mangshan pit vipers at the Hunan Conservation Center for Mangshan pit viper in July 2018.