The differences in the intestinal microbiota between white cranes and grey cranes in the Yellow River Delta

The Yellow River Delta, a critical stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, serves as a key habitat for the Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) and the Common Crane (Grus grus). Recent studies have revealed significant differences in their gut microbiota despite sharing similar wetland habitats, likely linked to variations in diet, habitat utilization strategies, and environmental adaptation. Siberian Cranes, specialized in feeding on aquatic plant tubers, exhibit a higher abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria (e.g., Firmicutes), while the omnivorous Common Cranes (consuming invertebrates and seeds) show a dominance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, potentially associated with protein metabolism. These microbial distinctions may reflect physiological adaptation mechanisms underlying their ecological niche differentiation and provide scientific insights for species-specific conservation strategies in wetland ecosystems. Further exploration of microbiota functionality could deepen our understanding of survival strategies and health maintenance in migratory birds facing dynamic environmental challenges.