PloS oneSep 23, 2026

Gut microbiome linked to repetitive behaviors in giant pandas

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Updated Sep 24, 2026

Abstract

Distinct gut microbial diversity and composition were identified in stereotypically behaving giant pandas compared to normal controls.

Stereotypic behavior in giant pandas may be associated with gut microbial dysbiosis.
Fecal analysis revealed significant enrichment of Serratia sp. Se-RSBMAAmG in stereotypically behaving pandas.
Five species of Clostridium and Lactococcus garvieae showed increased presence in stereotypically behaving individuals.
The probiotic Enterococcus hirae was less prevalent in pandas exhibiting stereotypic behavior.
Clostridium bacteria may influence propionate metabolism and pathways related to neurotransmitter signaling, potentially linked to stereotypic behavior.

Simplified

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a relict species endemic to China. Captive breeding has boosted its population. However, some captive individuals exhibit stereotypic behavior. Though extensive research showing that host behavior can be influenced by gut microbiota via the gut-brain axis, the gut microbiota related to stereotypic behavior of giant pandas has not been reported. To explore gut microbial composition and functional characteristics of stereotypically behaving (SB) giant pandas, the behavior of 15 captive giant pandas was observed, and their feces were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing (n = 145) and metagenomic sequencing (n = 45). Our study revealed distinct gut microbial diversity, composition, and functions between SB giant pandas and normal controls, indicating gut microbial dysbiosis in SB giant pandas. Serratia sp. Se-RSBMAAmG was significantly enriched in SB giant pandas, five Clostridium species and Lactococcus garvieae exhibited upward trends in SB individuals, whereas the probiotic Enterococcus hirae showed the opposite trend compared with those in normal controls. The Clostridium bacteria may affect propionate metabolism and the gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) synapse pathway, potentially affecting the emergence of stereotypic behavior. These findings suggest a link between gut microbiota and stereotypic behavior of giant pandas, providing novel insights for their conservation.

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Gut microbiome linked to repetitive behaviors in giant pandas

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