Captivity conditions matter for the gut microbiota of an endangered obligate hibernator.

Conservation breeding programmes include translocations of animals across breeding facilities, both and , and to/from their natural habitat. Newly reintroduced Vancouver Island marmots (VIMs) originating from the captive breeding programme are known to experience high winter mortality once reintroduced. Whilst high winter mortality rates amongst reintroduced VIM populations remain a concern of unknown causes, this health issue could potentially be linked to changes in gut microbiota prior to hibernation.