Interactions between groups of colobus monkeys explain similarities in their gut microbiome

The data set consists of demographic and behavioural data collected during May - August 2007 and October 2008 - April 2009 and 16S rRNA sequencing of faecal samples collected during the latter part of each observation period from adult female colobus (Colobus vellerosus). We investigated whether social groups have unique gut microbiome signatures and whether diet, relatedness, or social connectedness best explained beta diversity. Social group identity explained a relatively larger percentage of the variation in gut microbiome beta diversity. Connectedness in the 1 m proximity network was a better predictor of beta diversity than diet and relatedness.