Metagenomic and Antibiotic Resistance Analysis of the Gut Microbiota in and Species Inhabiting the Honghaizi Wetland of Ordos, Inner Mongolia, from 2021 to 2023.

Gut microbes thrive by utilising host energy and, in return, provide valuable benefits, akin to a symbiotic relationship. Here, metagenomic sequencing was performed to characterise and compare the community composition, diversity and antibiotic resistance of the gut microbiota of Relict gull () and species. Alpha diversity analysis revealed that the intestinal microbial richness of was significantly lower than that of , with distinct differences observed in microbial composition. Notably, the intestines of harboured more pathogenic bacteria such as clostridium, which may contribute to the decline in their population and endangered status. A total of 117 strains of were isolated, with 90.60% exhibiting full susceptibility to 21 antibiotics, while 25.3% exhibited significant biofilm formation. Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database data indicated that glycopeptide resistance genes were the most prevalent type carried by migratory birds, alongside quinolone, tetracycline and lincosamide resistance genes. The abundance of resistance genes carried by migratory birds decreased over time. This metagenomic analysis provides valuable insights into the intestinal microbial composition of these wild bird species, offering important guidance for their conservation efforts, particularly for , and contributing to our understanding of pathogen spread and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.