Direct and indirect effects of pesticide exposure on the gut microbiota of a farmland raptor
Résumé
Recent studies in humans have shown that certain pesticides could affect the composition and functions of the
gut microbiota, an essential modulator of vertebrate physiology, leading to potential dysbiosis. However, this
relationship remains largely unknown in wild birds despite the implications of pesticides in the current decline of
farmland species. The present study sought to fill this gap by providing data on the association between pesticide
concentrations in blood and gut microbiota characteristics in relation to individual traits in a farmland raptor,
the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus). Results showed that females with higher body condition and higher
pesticide load exhibited greater gut bacterial richness and diversity, while the relationship was opposite in males
with higher body condition. In terms of taxonomic composition, Proteobacteria emerged as the dominant phylum
across all nestlings. Differences in the abundance of specific phyla and genera were observed according to pesticide load, with higher levels of Bacteroidota and Leifsonia, but lower levels of Bulkholderia, in nestlings with
higher pesticide concentrations in their blood. This study highlights differences in microbiota and contamination
by several pesticides according to the phenotypic characteristics of a wild raptor, and shows that farmland birds
can represent relevant biosentinels for assessing the health/proper functioning of ecosystems (One Health
approach).
Domaines
Sciences de l'environnementOrigine | Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte |
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licence |