Environmental Perturbations during the Rehabilitation of Wild Migratory Birds Induce Gut Microbiome Alteration and Antibiotic Resistance Acquisition
Hyokeun Song, Saehah Yi, Woo-Hyun Kim, Jae-Ho Guk, Minjong Ha, Insik Kwak, Janghee Han, Seong‐Chan Yeon, Seongbeom Cho
Abstract
Wild migratory birds are key for ecosystem health but highly sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, wild migratory birds often undergo rehabilitation to prevent species extinction or biodiversity monitoring. However, the impact of rehabilitation on the gut microbiome of wild migratory birds, which is closely associated with host fitness, remains unclear. For the migratory bird species considered natural monuments in South Korea evaluated here, such impacts could include rehabilitation-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis and acquisition of antibiotic resistance, with possible repercussions on the adaptability of wild birds and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment after their release. Therefore, the dynamics of the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance should be considered for implementing sustainable rehabilitation strategies.