Microplastics and gut microbiomes impact on Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in the Three Parallel Rivers region in China

A new study reveals that Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti), the highest-altitude non-human primates, are ingesting microplastics (MPs) at concerning levels in China's remote Three Parallel Rivers region. Researchers detected 36 types of MPs, averaging 75 particles per gram of feces, with food provisioning and tourism significantly increasing exposure—though tourism alone did not. While MPs content varied by age and social dominance (higher in juveniles and dominant groups), the current pollution levels did not disrupt gut microbiome diversity. The study underscores behavioral and ecological drivers of MP ingestion, providing critical insights for protecting this endangered species and its high-altitude ecosystem.

Xia, W., Zhou, J., Lu, Z., Li, L., Zhang, Y., Fan, S., Krzton, A., & Li, D. (2024). Microplastics and gut microbiomes impact on Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in the Three Parallel Rivers region in China. Frontiers in Microbiology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1449522